Kathua killings a ‘silent terror’, govt to strengthen VDGs: LoP Sharma

Jammu, Mar 10: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma on Monday termed the Kathua killings as a “silent terror” aimed at destabilising Jammu and Kashmir. He assured that the government is taking strong measures to counter the threat.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Sharma said security forces are on high alert and action will be taken against those responsible.
He said Union Home Minister Amit Shah has sent a high-level team, including the Home Secretary and Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), to assess the situation. “The government will ensure that those involved in this attack face the strictest action,” he said.
To counter emerging security threats, the LoP announced that Village Defense Guards (VDGs) in Kathua and other vulnerable areas will be reinforced. “We will equip local communities to ensure that the enemy’s plans do not succeed. Pakistan-backed elements are trying to create instability, but we will not let them win,” he said.
Sharma rejected opposition claims that the situation in J&K has worsened post-Article 370 abrogation. “Look at Kashmir today—terrorism has been buried. There was a time when terrorists’ funerals saw thousands gathering in their support; today, their graves remain unknown,” he remarked.
He highlighted the government’s crackdown on separatists and terror financiers, citing cases like Yasin Malik and Asiya Andrabi. “Yasin Malik, who was responsible for the killing of IAF officers, has been neutralized legally. Asiya Andrabi, who openly challenged India, is no longer a threat. The era of glorifying separatists is over,” Sharma asserted.
The BJP leader accused opposition parties, particularly the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), of shielding overground terror networks. “These parties provide ideological protection to separatists. Their sympathisers and overground workers (OGWs) in Jammu province will also be dismantled,” he said.