Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Nov 18: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma has called upon various communities to work for strengthening the bonds of communal harmony and mutual brotherhood, which he said is must for a prosperous and healthy society.
The Minister was addressing the large gathering of devotees at village Baswah and Turgala on the occasion of annual congregations organized by the Bral Biradhari and Parihar Biradhari on Sunday.
Member Parliament, Madan Lal Sharma, Vice Chairman, OBC Welfare Advisory Board, Kuldeep Raj were also present on the occasions.
The Minister said that certain vested interests are trying to disintegrate the society in the name of religion and casteism, vitiating the peaceful atmosphere in some parts of the State. He asked the people to thwart the nefarious design of such elements and help in promoting peace and communal harmony, which is pre-requisite for the overall development of the State. He said democracy is the real strength of India where all communities have equal right to grow and contribute for the development of nation.
Responding to the demands of people, the Minister assured that the work on construction of road from main Jammu-Poonch highway to Bua Dati shrine will be taken up soon.
The Minister also inspected the free medical camp organized by the Health Department in the premises of Bua Dati shrine.
Earlier, the Minister inspected PHE Scheme, Thorni (Bal Sario) and directed the engineers to take immediate steps for its further augmentation to meet the increased drinking water needs.
The Minister also inspected the pace of progress of Emergency Hospital at Chowki Chowra and directed the engineers to complete the project in the shortest possible time.
Madan Lal Sharma also addressed the gathering and highlighted the programmes and policies of the UPA Government at the Centre. He asked the people to avail benefits of various welfare schemes launched by the Central Government.
He said during the past five years, massive development has taken place in the rural and far-flung areas with special focus on upgradation of road network, education, social welfare and health.. He cautioned the people against the rumor mongers and asked them to defeat the designs of such elements which are weakening the strong democratic structure of the country.
He made special mention about such elements which incite the sentiments of innocent people in the name of religion during the electioneering for their petty gains, which is dangerous for the society.
President of Bral Biradhari, Mangal Sharma also addressed the gathering and highlighted the initiatives taken by the management for the development of the shrine and facilities created for the devotees. He expressed his gratitude to the leaders for gracing the occasion.
The Biradhari also honored the leaders by offering traditional Dogra Turban. Both the leaders also paid obeisance at the Temple of Bua Dati and sought her blessings.
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