India secular, country of faiths including atheists: DyCM

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, June 9: The statement of VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi, calling for “Muslim-Free India”, today rocked the Legislative Assembly as opposition members sought a condemnation from the PDP-BJP Government.
The issue was raised by Independent MLA Sheikh Abdul Rasheed during the Question Hour saying the Government should explain what the controversial Sadhvi meant by “Muslim-Mukt Bharat”.”Is this what you mean by ‘Desh Badal Raha hai’ (the nation is changing)?” Rasheed asked.
Congress members who condemned the statement made by the Sadhvi supported him. “What is this Muslim-Mukt Bharat? Do they want to repeat Gujarat?” Congress MLA G M Saroori asked.
Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said the statement has appeared in newspaper reports but, if true, is not right. “India is a secular country where people of all faiths and communities live including the atheists. The statement, which appeared in the newspapers, is not right,” Singh added.
In Upper House, Opposition Congress and National Conference (NC) legislators walked out after a resolution condemning remarks of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader moved by them was not immediately adopted by the Chairman Haji Anayat Ali.
As soon as the House met this morning, the members of both Congress and NC stood up from their benches and sought the attention of the Chairman towards the controversial remarks of VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi, saying they have moved a resolution and the Council should condemn the anti-Muslim remarks of Prachi.
The resolution was moved by the Congress MLC, Ghulam Nabi Monga and was signed by all Opposition members. Monga demanded that the resolution should be tabled in the House. However the Chairman asked Opposition to sit down as the Government has already issued a statement yesterday over the remarks of the VHP leader.
Not satisfied with the reply, the Opposition members remained adamant on their demand after which Chairman said he will consider their resolution under prescribed rules. “I have received your resolution. We will see and look into it and consider it as per rules,” he said.
As the uproar was underway, the members of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on treasury benches demanded condemnation and Government statement on Hizbul Mujahideen Commander, Burhan Muzzafar Wani’s warning of attacking Sainik and separate Pandit Colonies in the Kashmir Valley.
The BJP members including Ajatshatru Singh, Ashok Khujuria, Charanjeet Singh and Ramesh Arora demanded that the Government should equally issue the statement and condemn the video statement of Burhan Wani like it did over the remarks of Sadhvi. “It’s a very serious issue… the Hizbul Mujahideen have warned of attacks,” said Ajatshatru Singh.
Amid uproar, the Opposition and ruling BJP members exchanged heated arguments in the House. While Opposition members were accused by BJP of being Hurriyat supporters, the latter were termed as “communalists” by the former. The BJP members raised slogans against Hizbul Mujahideen in the House while Opposition shouted slogans against VHP, Sadhvi and BJP.
Miffed at the uproar created by the Opposition over VHP leader’s statement, the Minster for Law and Rural Development Department, Abdul Haq Khan said there is no justification for raking up the issue again in the House. “Unfortunately we make issue out of those news reports which have no basis… Already a statement from our Leader of House was issued here yesterday. Now there is no justification…,” he said.
However, the pandemonium continued to prevail in the House. “If they are saying we condemn it then this resolution should be passed in the House,” said NC legislator, Showkat Hussain Ganai. Amid heated arguments, accusations and counter-accusations, the Opposition members finally staged a walkout from the House, after which Question Hour commenced without any disruption. The members however walked in shortly.

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