Jammu

Three terrorists were neutralised in separate counter-terrorism operations in Udhampur and Kishtwar districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, triggering mixed political reactions ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the Union Territory.

BJP MLA Shagun Parihar described the operations as a major success and congratulated the security forces and people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“This is a huge achievement for our security forces. Getting such news on the occasion of the Home Minister’s visit is encouraging. I congratulate the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said, praising Shah for consistently addressing public expectations during his visits.

National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the Home Minister’s visit brings “a ray of hope”, reiterating the demand for the restoration of statehood, which he said was promised in Parliament.

“People are hopeful that the time has come to fulfil the promise of restoring statehood. The Centre must also take serious cognisance of attacks on Kashmiris outside the Union Territory and put an end to such incidents,” he told ANI.

However, Jammu and Kashmir Congress president and MLA Tariq Hamid Karra criticised the Home Minister, alleging that the government was concealing the real security situation.

“Whenever Amit Shah visits, he conducts routine security reviews and returns with positive statements, hiding the reality. In the last three to four months, militant activity has been reported in seven to eight districts,” Karra alleged.

He accused the BJP of prioritising political interests over national security and questioned the government’s claims of ending militancy after 2019.

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“There is no doubt that terrorists must be neutralised. But after claiming that militancy had ended post-2019, the continuation of such activities raises serious questions for the government,” Karra said.