Baghel hits out at BJP for ‘politicising’ military, seeks clarification on US role

Jabalpur: Chhattisgarh former CM Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday accused the central govt of compromising India's stance on Kashmir, questioning whether the Centre had accepted the US mediation on Indo-Pak ties in violation of the Shimla Agreement.Addressing media persons in Jabalpur, Baghel said the US president first shared information about the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He questioned what compelled a "prime minister with a 56-inch chest to be afraid of the US president".Baghel said: "We never accepted mediation. Even in 1971, (Ex-US president Richard) Nixon sent the Seventh Fleet. The then prime minister (Indira Gandhi) was not afraid and divided Pakistan, creating Bangladesh. Look at the situation today." He questioned who authorised the US president to meditate on the Indo-Pak issues, and on what terms the ceasefire was agreed upon. "We launched an attack to eliminate terrorists, and the US president claims it's a Kashmir issue. The Shimla Agreement clearly states that there will be no third-party intervention. The question is whether the govt accepted the US president's mediation or not," he said.He further said: "We all take pride in the valour and courage of our military. The military does not belong to any party or govt but to the entire nation. The way the BJP is politicising the military is unfortunate. There is no question mark on the military's bravery; the questions are directed at the govt.""Why were 26 people in Pahalgam not provided security, and who are their killers? Who are the four terrorists responsible for the killings who have not yet been captured?" Baghel asked.Jabalpur: Chhattisgarh former CM Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday accused the central govt of compromising India's stance on Kashmir, questioning whether the Centre had accepted the US mediation on Indo-Pak ties in violation of the Shimla Agreement.Addressing media persons in Jabalpur, Baghel said the US president first shared information about the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He questioned what compelled a "prime minister with a 56-inch chest to be afraid of the US president".Baghel said: "We never accepted mediation. Even in 1971, (Ex-US president Richard) Nixon sent the Seventh Fleet. The then prime minister (Indira Gandhi) was not afraid and divided Pakistan, creating Bangladesh. Look at the situation today." He questioned who authorised the US president to meditate on the Indo-Pak issues, and on what terms the ceasefire was agreed upon. "We launched an attack to eliminate terrorists, and the US president claims it's a Kashmir issue. The Shimla Agreement clearly states that there will be no third-party intervention. The question is whether the govt accepted the US president's mediation or not," he said.He further said: "We all take pride in the valour and courage of our military. The military does not belong to any party or govt but to the entire nation. The way the BJP is politicising the military is unfortunate. There is no question mark on the military's bravery; the questions are directed at the govt.""Why were 26 people in Pahalgam not provided security, and who are their killers? Who are the four terrorists responsible for the killings who have not yet been captured?" Baghel asked.