The political divide over the violence in Jammu & Kashmir surfaced sharply in Lok Sabha on Wednesday with Congress and other opposition parties like Trinamool accusing the government of mishandling the situation, sparked by the encounter death of Hizbul Mujahidden terrorist Burhan Wani, while the ruling party defended itself against the charge of using excessive force to quell protests.

BJP's partner in Jammu and Kashmir, PDP, raised questions on the need for Wani's killing and its timing.

PDP MP Muzzafar Beg said if Wani was on the radar of intelligence agencies why was he not arrested earlier? He urged the Centre to use its moral authority, instead of military authority.

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said the government insisted on looking at the "rear view'' mirror even as the situation in J&K is "deteriorating". Scindia said no central minister had bothered to visit the state during the current crisis.

BJP member Anurag Thakur targeted the opposition for making "baseless" allegations. He said political parties should unite dealing with such situations.