Photo: PTI
Four days after the demolition of the house belonging to Umar Nabi, the doctor accused of carrying out the Red Fort bombing, a BJP leader from Kashmir has criticised the approach, arguing that such actions are not a real solution.
Arshad Ahmad Bhat, a Pulwama resident and the BJP’s former candidate from Rajpora, wrote on social media that the practice of blowing up or razing homes should end, suggesting instead that authorities adopt tougher and more effective measures to counter terrorism.
Bhat, who campaigned on themes unusual for a BJP candidate including zulm, the Public Safety Act, and the UAPA, often echoing slogans heard at separatist rallies, insisted that families should not be punished for the deeds of a single member.
He argued that a terrorist’s father cannot automatically be labelled a terrorist, adding that other relatives should not be judged by the same standard. According to him, punishment should come strictly through legal means, not through collective measures.
Reflecting on the situation in Kashmir, Bhat remarked that people in the region live under complicated conditions, pointing out that even the graves of prominent leaders such as Sheikh Abdullah and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed require heavy security. He added that no parent would ever wish to see their child die young, the Indian Express reported.
Umar’s house in Koil, which was home to most of his family, including his parents, brother and sister-in-law, was demolished on November 14. Authorities had earlier confirmed that the structure was blown up after the residents were moved out. The action followed the November 10 blast near the Red Fort Metro station that killed 12 people, with officials saying DNA taken from Umar’s mother confirmed his presence in the car that exploded.
Bhat also cautioned against portraying the medical community in a negative light because of the actions of a single doctor, saying that physicians from Kashmir and elsewhere serve the country with dedication and should not be unfairly generalised.