Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 18: Taking exception to tinkering with boundaries of Jammu & Kashmir in the two controversial maps of India depicted in the 76- page manual prepared by London based International Management Group (IMG) for recently concluded IPL-6, BJP National Executive Member, national TV panelist & J&K chief spokesperson, Dr Jitendra Singh said here today that cricket is not above country and therefore cannot be allowed to violate J&K’s territorial integrity.
Dr Jitendra Singh wondered what was the BCCI doing when this mischief was going on and the manual was being circulated. Also, why has the External Affairs Ministry chosen to maintain a convenient silence, he asked. And, why the J&K Chief Minister, who is otherwise so very Twitter savvy, a self-confessed cricket fan and always ready with an opinion on subjects not related to J&K, now silent on an issue which is so sensitively concerned with his own State, he quipped.
Quoting from the text of the controversial Manual, Dr Jitendra Singh said what was even more objectionable was the reference in the Manual which read “The borders of Kashmir are in dispute. India, Pakistan and China have differing claims and therefore the borders of India may not be correct”. While in the map on page 37 of the manual, areas of Kashmir are missing, in the map on page 72 the alleged “disputed” areas are marked with dotted lines which is a clear affront to the sovereignty and self-respect of India, he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh also described certain references in the Manual as being racist and biased. To prove this point, he referred to a caption written below the map which warns against alleged Malaria endemic in India in following words, “This map must be used in conjunction with the Malaria advice text. Bite avoidance (from malaria mosquito) measures should be taken in all areas”.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the BCCI contract with IMG should have ensured that the latter confines itself to the brief regarding cricket and does not use the opportunity to interfere with the sanctity of India’s territory or heritage. He called upon the Union External Affairs Ministry to take immediate cognizance and described it as yet another disgrace to much disgraced UPA Government at the Center. The Govt of India must seek an official apology from IMG, he suggested, adding that at the same time the J&K Chief Minister should also put on record his Government’s disapproval lest he should be accused of appeasing the separatists.
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