Srinagar, Sept, 24: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Shazia Ilmi on Tuesday said many Muslims in Kashmir have suffered in ways similar to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.
“Muslims in Kashmir have also been forced to leave their homes due to the instability and violence, much like our Kashmiri Pandit brothers. Their voices have been suppressed by the very leaders who were supposed to represent them,” she said while addressing a press conference here, along with the party’s Rajpora (in Pulwama) candidate Arshad Bhat.
Ilmi said the BJP stands for the prosperity of all communities in the region and seeks to foster an inclusive environment where every citizen feels secure and empowered.
Shazia called for a comprehensive development process in Jammu & Kashmir, saying, “We want to see Jammu & Kashmir as a state free from hartals and violence, moving towards development. The mainstream parties like NC, PDP, and Congress have failed to take the necessary steps for progress.”
She said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP envisions a stable, peaceful Jammu & Kashmir, where terrorism no longer holds sway over the lives of ordinary people.
The BJP spokesperson said PM Modi has consistently focused on the development of the region, ensuring that the people’s voices are heard at the highest levels of governance. “Prime Minister Modi has visited the region multiple times, offering a vision of a prosperous and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir, where development is prioritised, and the youth have real opportunities,” she added.
During the press conference, Arshad Bhat explained his decision to join the BJP and contest elections under its banner. He accused the National Conference, Congress and People’s Democratic Party of neglecting the aspirations of Kashmiri youth. “These parties had created a climate of political terrorism, where discussions of governance and reforms were suppressed,” he said.
Bhat added, “The youth of Kashmir have been left without opportunities, especially in the public sector and other key departments, by the very parties that claim to represent them. They have been misled for decades, while BJP’s vision offers the promise of development and progress.”
