Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut expressed his deep concern about the recent encounter incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag. He called it “disheartening” and emphasized that it is the responsibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to maintain law and order in the Union Territory.
Taking a critical stance toward the central government’s handling of the encounter, Raut commented, “While Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders were showering flowers on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the success of G20, terrorists were simultaneously showering gunshots on army officers in Anantnag. This is disheartening and underscores the abnormal situation in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Raut questioned the Centre, saying, “If Jammu and Kashmir has been declared a union territory, it is the responsibility of the PM and the Home Minister to ensure law and order there. Don’t you feel sad? Why isn’t there a statement on this from your side?” The encounter in Anantnag tragically claimed the lives of Indian Army Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonak, and DSP Humayun Bhat.
Raut also drew attention to the complexity of India’s diplomatic relations, stating, “On one hand, you (central government) say that you will acquire Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), on the other hand, you are playing cricket matches with Pakistan and doing business with the country.” Regarding the upcoming special session of Parliament scheduled for September 18 to 22, Raut expressed concerns about the government’s intentions. He remarked, “This government wants to assert control over the judicial systems of the country and the Election Commission as well. It may lead to a potential dictatorship.”
The special session of Parliament, called by the Centre, is set to convene for five days. While 24 parties of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc have agreed to participate, the session’s agenda remains undisclosed.
On the topic of the Sanatana controversy, Raut commented, “I think it is no longer controversial. A clarification was given by MK Stalin Sahab (Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin).” Previously, Tamil Nadu minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin had sparked controversy by calling for the ‘eradication’ of the Sanatana religion, likening it to diseases like Dengue and Malaria.
Shifting the focus to the Maratha reservation issue, Raut highlighted the gravity of the situation in Maharashtra. He noted, “The law and order situation is serious in Maharashtra. The situation is abnormal.”