BJP Functionary in Kashmir Files Defamation Notice Against AAP MP
Srinagar: Mohd Ashraf Azad, a senior functionary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir, has issued a defamation notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh. This follows Singh’s accusations during a press conference on September 12, in which he labeled Azad and 11 other BJP colleagues in the region as “ex-terrorists trained in Pakistan.”
Azad’s legal representation demands that Singh publicly apologize, retract his statements, and pay ₹50 crore in damages. The lawyer claims these allegations have caused Azad “mental trauma and emotional distress,” as well as “irreparable harm” to his reputation.
The BJP contends that Azad has served as an active and dedicated party member for over 30 years, fighting against terrorism and corruption while establishing himself as a “peace-loving, nationalist.” Altaf Thakur, a BJP spokesperson in J&K, dismissed the claims made by AAP, asserting that all named individuals have a background as counterinsurgents.
In light of the allegations and subsequent legal action, the BJP has initiated a process to reassess the backgrounds of its members with past militant affiliations, according to a senior party official.
