Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday accused Pakistan of fomenting unrest in Jammu and Kashmir following the death of self-styled Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
He also said Mumbai-based Islamic preacher Zakir Naik had been denied permission to run a news channel, and that action would be taken against "whatever is unauthorised." This, even as Bangladesh banned the Peace TV channel he runs.
Speaking on Sunday, the Union Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs Minister put the blame of the unrest in J&K following Wani's death squarely on Pakistan's shoulders.
"Terrorism and violence are not acceptable at all in whatever form, whoever does it," he said, before going on to add: "Kashmir is an integral part of India. There is no question of any negotiation and discussion on that." The inference was clear: India would not part ways with Kashmir, to which Pakistan lays claim.
Naidu also said: "I am really surprised that some people are trying to support those so-called protesters who are sympathising with a terrorist. He [Burhan Wani] is a Hizbul Mujahideen commander, how can any Indian have sympathy for such people?"
Wani's killing in an encounter with the security forces has led to widespread protests in J&K, which has led to the death of at least 15 people.
"Some people inspired by some of our neighbours are trying to create disturbance. This is not going to help," he said, adding: "Pakistan should give up such tactics. They will not succeed in their attempts."
Speaking about Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is said to have inspired two of the six gunmen who killed 20 foreigners and two policemen in Dhaka a little over a week ago, Naidu hinted that action might be taken against him.
"Zakir Naik had applied for [permission for] a television channel in 2008. It was rejected in 2009. Now it has come to light that certain people are violating rules, telecasting and downloading his speeches. Action will be taken from my side on whatever is unauthorised," he said.
Naik runs a TV channel called Peace TV, and is already being investigated by the Mumbai Police. It has now been banned in Bangladesh.
