Samik warns against ‘Kashmir Mange Azadi’ slogans on Kargil Vijay Diwas

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya issued a stern warning against raising “Kashmir Mange Azadi” slogans during protests, reminding that those indulging in such cries would face serious consequences.

Bhattacharya was speaking at a programme organised to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas at BT Road in north Kolkata. After paying floral tributes to Kargil martyr Kanad Bhattacharya on Sunday, the BJP leader alleged that anti-national elements were once again attempting to create unrest in the country.

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Kanad Bhattacharya, a resident of north Kolkata, was among the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil conflict.

Paying homage to the martyr, Bhattacharya said the sacrifices of Indian soldiers must never be forgotten and reiterated the need to remain vigilant against forces seeking to undermine the country’s unity and sovereignty.

Referring to the Kashmir issue and India’s partition, the BJP leader said Pakistan has consistently attempted to destabilise India by exploiting the Kashmir question.

“Any conspiracy against the country would be dealt with firmly,” he said.

Without naming any particular organisation, Bhattacharya also targeted Left parties, alleging that “Communists had once sought to fragment the country into multiple parts” and claimed that “anti-national forces have again become active.”

His remarks came in the backdrop of recent protests over the NEET controversy.

Referring to demonstrations held in Delhi and Kolkata, Bhattacharya alleged that violence had erupted during a student rally in central Kolkata on Friday and claimed that journalists were assaulted during the protest.

He further alleged that “Azadi” slogans had been raised during the march.

“There will be no leniency towards those who raise slogans such as ‘Kashmir Mange Azadi’ while standing in Kolkata,” Bhattacharya said.

In a controversial remark, he added that those shouting such slogans “should not be able to return home directly” and should instead have to “visit the outpatient department of a government hospital.”

He further said that the police would be asked to ensure that the law is enforced strictly against individuals raising slogans that, according to him, challenge the country’s integrity.

“We are telling the police that the law must take its own course,” Bhattacharya said, while reiterating that the BJP would not tolerate activities it considers anti-national.