Kathua is small issue , says new J&K Deputy CM

Jammu April 30 (IANS) In an embarrassment to the ruling PDP-BJP alliance Jammu and Kashmir s new Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta said after being sworn in that the Kathua rape and murder was a "small issue".

Answering questions about his role in ensuring the stability of the ruling alliance Gupta said the reshuffle of the council of ministers was in itself a proof of the seriousness which the coalition attaches to better governance.

Asked whether the Kathua rape and murder incident had impacted the reshuffle he said: "That was a small issue."

Both President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have said that the rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Kathua has shaken the country and made everyone hang their heads in shame.

--IANS
sq/mr/sar