Congress demands CBI probe into MP ISI racket

Away from the battlefield in Uttar Pradesh, political parties are crossing swords over Army Chief Bipin Rawat’s stern warning in Kashmir of tough action against locals engaging in obstructing Army’s operations against militants holed up in villages and localities. 

Two days after the comments, even as the BJP fielded union minister Jitendra Singh to defend the Army Chief and accuse the Opposition of playing politics over security forces, the Congress charged some BJP members with having links to the ISI racket busted by the Madhya Pradesh ATS and demanded a CBI probe monitored by the Supreme Court.

Less than an hour later,  Jitendra Singh alleged that Congress was playing politics and said, “we appeal to political sections and Congress to not indulge in any kind of politicking at the cost of security forces’ morale.”

Asking Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi to spell out his stand, he said, “it is appalling and a matter of concern that Congress is falling to this temptation of politicising the army chief’s statement ... This party can go to any extent for political benefits. It is speaking the voice of separatists for lowly political gains.”

He defended Rawat saying that  his comments were an expression of concern. 

He said National Conference had adopted the jargon of separatist parties. NC spokesman Junaid Azim Mattu had described Rawat’s statement as ‘tragic’ and said the government should engage with the youth in the valley.

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said the Anti Terrorism Squad of Madhya Pradesh Police has arrested 11 people who provided information to ISI on army installations, army movement and about its officers, four of whom are linked to the BJP and are its members.