This Article is From Jan 23, 2011

Crackdown on Ekta Yatris, a panic reaction says BJP

Srinagar: Adamant on hoisting the national flag at Srinagar's Lal Chowk on Republic Day, the BJP today hit out at the crackdown on its workers in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in the country calling it a 'disproportionate and panic reaction'.

This came after in a late night coup of sorts, a train carrying party workers to Jammu was sent back to Karnataka without the passengers coming to know. (Read: Train with BJP activists sent back)

"Is hoisting national flag a provocative issue?" asked senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley in New Delhi, adding, "We condemn the move of the Government in repressing the Yatra. I have been told that all borders into J&K are blocked, trains carrying activists being cancelled, diverted. The BJP's yatra has been absolutely peaceful."

In its Kolkata to Kashmir Ekta Yatra the BJP's youth wing is aiming to lead thousands of its members to raise the tricolour at Lal Chowk on Republic Day. The BJP says it's a challenge to the separatists.

"No penal action has been taken against separatists. Separatists' meet was called expression of free speech. Government is psychologically surrendering to separatists. We are not apologetic about hoisting the national flag," said Jaitley.  

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appealed for peace. In a strongly-worded statement, the PM had said, "The Republic Day is not an occasion to score political points or promote divisive agendas. I call upon all concerned to observe maximum restraint in a sensitive state like Jammu and Kashmir." (Read: Don't promote divisive agenda, appeals the PM)

Reacting to the Prime Minister's remarks in his blog, senior BJP Leader LK Advani wrote, "I wish the PM realises that these young men led by Anurag Thakur are not trying to score a political point; they are challenging the separatists. And the State is surrendering to them!"

The state government has made it clear it will stop the yatra - the question is where? Security is already being stepped up. D-day is January 25.

Reports suggest that protesters will be coming through Punjab, where the BJP-Akali Dal government isn't expected to help stop the yatris. So arrangements are being made at Lakhanpur - the point of entry to Jammu and Kashmir, and far away from Srinagar. Yatris who start from Jammu city are expected be stopped just outside.

"I do expect that everyone will cooperate with us to maintain the security and good peaceful environment in Jammu," Dilbagh Singh, the Inspector-General of Jammu told NDTV.
 
Strong comments in the last 24 hours by its top 3 parliamentary leaders - L K Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley - in favour of the yatra, has raised stakes for the BJP.
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