BJP’s Muslim outreach: People in Kashmir are wary but hopeful

The BJP’s Muslim outreach programme, which will begin on Friday, has received a mixed response from people in Muslim-majority Kashmir, but there is a consensus that the gulf between the Valley and the rest of the country needs to be bridged.

BJP’s Minority Morcha will start a countrywide Muslim outreach program from March 10. The party has identified 64 districts spread across several states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for the first phase of the exercise.

“Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir have a lot of issues and grievances which they want to be resolved, besides Muslims in other parts of India also need a sense of security. Whoever is in the government, if they are looking for a solution, it is a welcome move.

He said that recent incidents like the lynching of two Muslim persons in Haryana have hurt the sentiments of the community.

“There has been a difference and a difference of opinion between the central government and the Muslims of the Kashmir Valley. Many claims were made after the abrogation of Article 370, but nothing turned out to be true. Are they going to win over the hearts of the people with the demolition drive? They cannot fool people,” Islam said.

He said the BJP’s Muslim outreach program in Kashmir would be mere lip service if it did not have practical measures to address the concerns of the local population.

“These measures should not be mere lip service. It should have a practical impact and reach people.”

BJP leader Ashraf Azad also feels that there is a dire need of an outreach program for Jammu and Kashmir.

“Muslims of JK are isolated. This program will bring them closer to the rest of India’s population. We have to trust each other and that’s the only way forward.”

Azad said that the whole country needs to pay attention to Kashmir.

“We Kashmiris were only used against the country. This program will create confidence. The people of Kashmir, especially the young generation, were waiting for this opportunity.

Many common residents are wary of the BJP’s new initiative in the Valley.

“We have very little contact with the BJP. We don’t have deep knowledge of what BJP is doing in Kashmir, but if central government or BJP is going to start any such program, it will be good for Kashmir..we only hope for the best.’ Hussain, a local resident said.

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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)