Burhan Wani more dangerous 'dead than alive': Trinamool on Kashmir debate in Rajya Sabha

TMC MP Derek O’Brien on Wednesday said in Rajya Sabha that slain Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani was more dangerous ‘dead than alive’.

New Delhi: Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Wednesday said in Rajya Sabha that slain Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani was more dangerous ‘dead than alive’.

The statement was made by its Rajya Sabha MP MP Derek O’Brien while the House was discussing the current situation of unrest in Kashmir.

Earlier, the House had agreed to discuss Kashmir after a notice was given by Congress party. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad first spoke on the issue followed by other leaders from across parties.

Derek O’Brien attacked Pakistan and started by saying, “My advice to Pakistan is that please do not meddle in our internal affairs, please do not shed crocodile tears. Please do not say you have love for people of Kashmir. Please do not give us bhashans (lectures) from your generals, politicians and your establishment.”

He then spoke further on the issue and urged the government not to distinguish between ‘Kashmir the people’ and ‘Kashmir the land’. “Kashmir is non-negotiable so Kashmir and its welfare should also be non-negotiable,” O’Brien added.

The Upper House is discussing Kashmir for the second time since the Monsoon Session of Parliament began.

It also had two short duration discussions. The situation in the Valley is tense since the killing of Burhan Wani, a Hizbul Mujahideen militant, on July 8. Some parts of the state are still under curfew. More than 55 people have lost their lives and thousands others have been injured in the clashes that ensued Wani’s death.