Srinagar, Oct 8 (JKNS): BJP leader Altaf Thakur has accused the INDIA bloc of intolerance towards dissent, alleging that the reported beating of a Kashmiri Muslim youth for raising slogans critical of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi exposes what he termed the alliance’s “real face” on democracy and freedom of expression.
In a statement, as per news agency JKNS, Thakur said that if a Kashmiri Muslim youth was beaten merely for raising slogans critical of Rahul Gandhi, it showed that democracy and dissent were welcome only when they suited the INDIA bloc.
“The Congress and its allies cannot preach tolerance to the nation while allegedly silencing a Kashmiri voice through physical intimidation,” he said.
Thakur said Kashmiris did not need lessons in democracy from those who could not tolerate an opposing slogan.
“This is not merely an attack on one youth; it is an assault on the fundamental right to dissent,” he said.
He questioned the INDIA bloc over the incident, asking, “Is criticism of Rahul Gandhi now a crime?”
“If they truly believe in democracy, let them condemn this incident unequivocally and ensure accountability,” Thakur said.
“Kashmir will not be bullied into silence, and no political alliance can claim the mantle of democracy while crushing dissent on the streets,” he added. (JKNS)