Cricket, Bollywood diplomacy with Pak should stop: BJP

India should take steps to isolate Pakistan on the issue of killing of two jawans, one of whom was beheaded, stated the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday. The party also urged the government to raise the issue in the United Nations and other international forums.

The demand was made by Bharatiya Janata Party chief Nitin Gadkari, who, along with senior party leaders Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh, visited the family of martyred soldier Hemraj, who was beheaded by Pakistani troops in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir on January 8.

"This incident has left a bad precedent for the whole country. Whatever the Pakistani troops have done, it should be condemned at the international level. It is sad that the
Pakistan government is reacting in a way which is very upsetting. I hope the Pakistan government apologises for this incident to the whole world. I expect the government of India to take this up in the United Nations. We should raise the issue in international platforms to isolate Pakistan. The prime minister should not keep quiet," he told reporters.

He said such an inhuman incident is a shame for the whole world.

"The government should take stern steps," he said, adding that if the Pakistan government has even a little sense of humanity, then it should apologise.

Gadkari said the BJP will continue to pressurise the government to play a stronger role, take a strong stand and exert adequate pressure on the Pakistan government.

Rajnath Singh demanded that India should call its High Commissioner to Pakistan back and stop all confidence building measures.

"Pakistan does not want peace. It has been stubborn. All cricket and Bollywood diplomacy should stop," he said.

The BJP delegation spoke with the family of Hemraj in Khairair village and assured them of all help.

"I have spoken to the mother and wife of Hemraj. Both of them are unhappy that Hemraj has not got due respect from central and Uttar Pradesh governments. No senior representatives from the two governments were present during the last rites of the soldier. It is an irony that the governments could not give respect to a martyr but all politicians are forthcoming if a terrorist is arrested," Singh said.

Asking the government to stop all CBMs with Pakistan and demanding the recall of the Indian High Commissioner there, he said, "At least a strong protest should be felt and even then, if Pakistan continues to behave like this, we need to take some tough steps".

"Cricket and Bollywood diplomacy cannot ensure good relations with Pakistan. Despite our best efforts, Pakistan doesn't want good relations and does such a heinous act, flouting the Geneva Convention," he said.

Hemraj's wife Dharamvati, mother Meena and cousin Narendra, who went on a fast after cremating the headless body of 29-year-old Hemraj on Thursday, are being administered intravenous fluid as their condition has deteriorated. Doctors are keeping a close watch on their condition and are examining them at regular intervals.

According to the villagers, Hemraj's family is demanding the mortal remains of the slain 13 Rajputana Rifles soldier, who was decapitated by Pakistani troops near the Line of Control in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir.