Srinagar, Nov 15 (HS): BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Altaf Thakur on Sunday condemned the remarks of J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on the killing of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Kishtwar, and demanded strict legal action against him for what he called irresponsible, provocative and demoralising comments against the Army.

Thakur said Karra’s claim that information from the Congress district president suggested Army personnel had mistaken the two men for terrorists and shot them was “extremely serious.” He said it amounted to casting aspersions on the professionalism and conduct of the security forces without establishing the facts.

He said such statements from a senior political leader were unacceptable, particularly when security personnel were performing challenging duties to safeguard lives and maintain peace in J&K.

“Making unverified allegations against the Army and questioning its conduct is not political accountability; it is an attempt to undermine the morale of our security forces,” Thakur said. “The Army has made enormous sacrifices in protecting the nation, and its personnel deserve respect, not politically motivated insinuations.”

He demanded that the authorities examine Karra’s remarks and initiate appropriate legal proceedings under relevant provisions of law, if the statement is found to attract criminal liability.

“Nobody is above the law, irrespective of political position,” he said, adding that anyone with credible evidence should approach the competent authorities and seek a fair investigation instead of making sweeping allegations before the media.

Thakur asked the Congress leadership to clarify whether Karra’s remarks reflected the party’s official position, and to exercise responsibility while commenting on sensitive security matters.

He maintained that accountability and a transparent investigation were essential in any incident involving civilian casualties, but said conclusions should not be drawn on the basis of hearsay or political statements. “National security and the dignity of our forces must not become instruments of political rhetoric,” he added.

Pertinent to mention that Karra, speaking to reporters in Srinagar on Sunday, had said the final picture depended on the investigation, but claimed that, according to information available with him, the two SPOs had gone out hunting and were fired upon by the Army on their return, mistaken for terrorists because they were in civilian clothes. Calling it “one story,” he demanded that the incident be probed from all angles, including the terror angle being cited by the BJP.

The two SPOs had gone missing at night, and their bodies were recovered the next morning. According to officials, a massive anti-terror operation has been launched in Kishtwar following the incident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat