No change in programme, PM Modi will address rally in Srinagar on Monday: BJP

SRINAGAR: A day after four terror attacks set Kashmir valley back on its heels, the BJP on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go ahead with his election rally in Srinagar as scheduled on December 8.

"Prime Minister is addressing the election rally as per schedule on December 8. There is no change in that programme," former Union minister and senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain told reporters here.

He said "people of Jammu & Kashmir are waiting eagerly for the Prime Minister" who will address gatherings at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in the valley.

READ ALSO: 21 killed as terrorists stage serial attacks to disrupt Kashmir polls

The BJP leader said Prime Minister invited his Pakistani counterpart to the oath-taking ceremony and made it clear to him that the country is ready for dialogue but the talks cannot be held amid the sound of blasts.

Soldiers seen near the bodies of the terrorists killed during the encounter in Uri, on December 5, 2014.

Referring to the Friday's attacks which left 21 people, including 11 security personnel and two civilians dead, he said, "Pakistan is not going to learn lessons."

The BJP leader, however, said, "Modi is capable enough of answering every question of Pakistan and will treat its illness. If they are under any wrong notion, they will get the answer."

READ ALSO: Kashmiris reject poll boycott calls with record 71% turnout

"Innocent people were murdered as the people taking part in a democratic exercise were attacked," he added.

In reply to a question, he said high voter turnout is no referendum.

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain.

"This is no referendum ... there is no option for referendum. Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India. There is a resolution passed in the Parliament (in 1995)," he said.

READ ALSO: Attack on democracy in Kashmir, Modi says

He said BJP consider serving the people of Jammu & Kashmir as its national duty.

"We are not doing any favour (to the people of Jammu & Kashmir). Prime Minister has made it clear that 'sabka saath, sabka vikas'. We are not going to leave anyone (out)," he said.

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