'Be Indians first': RSS advises Kashmiris to 'disassociate from terrorists'

NEW DELHI: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Tuesday urged Kashmiris to disassociate themselves from terrorism not just in principle, but in practice.

Addressing a press conference, RSS leader Indresh Kumar said the people of Jammu and Kashmir must unite under a common national identity.

"The time has come for Jammu and Kashmir to reject terrorism and truly disassociate from itself terrorism, not just in theory but in practice, to find a path towards a solution," Kumar said.

"A voice should rise from Jammu and Kashmir saying that we are Indians first, then Kashmiris, Dogris, or Punjabis. We should respond with this voice loud and clear," he added.

Indresh Kumar also criticised the Congress party over its “Gayab” (missing) jibe, which accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not taking responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

"Congress leaders can only digest their food when they abuse the Prime Minister. If the army is going to fight, they will oppose the Army commander. They will not do any good work for society but will defame those who do," he said.

"This has become their political method, which is very condemnable," the RSS functionary added.

This statement follows after Congress shared a poster featuring the word "Gayab" (missing) placed over an image of a kurta, pyjama, and black footwear. The outfit appears to be worn by someone, but the figure has no visible face.

Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Prime Minister of putting party and politics above the country by absenting himself from the all-party meeting convened to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, choosing instead to attend an election rally in Bihar.