KL Report
JAMMU
Dispelling apprehensions on the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Religious Places (Management and Regulation) Bill, Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana on Wednesday reiterated the party’s commitment to support the legislation aimed at preserving the valuable religious treasure of Kashmiri Pandits which stands testimony to the glorious and pluralistic ethos of the State.
“It was, in fact, National Conference that introduced the Bill when in Opposition”, the Provincial President said adding that the issue, however, requires a consensus among the entire political spectrum.
Making a fervent appeal to the community leaders not to nurture doubts about the intentions of the National Conference with regard to the Bill, Rana hoped that they will prevail upon other political parties as also NC’s coalition partner the Congress and seek their support for the passage of this important legislation.
“Sagacious leadership of Kashmiri Pandits is aware about the support required for passing the Bill in the Legislative Assembly and therefore it is necessary for other parties also to be on board on this issue”, He maintained.
The Provincial President said that National Conference shares the concern of Kashmiri Pandits over the protection of their worship places in the Valley. He said Kashmiri Pandits formed the core of unique pluralistic ethos of the land of Rishis and Suffis and their well being is a matter of faith for the National Conference and the people of Kashmir.
Saying that Kashmiri Pandits were integral to the glorious heritage of Kashmir, Rana said the party’s philosophy revolves round Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah’s cherished slogan of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh unity. This is one guiding spirit; he said and urged KPs not to get swayed by the malicious propaganda being unleashed by some vested interests with an avowed objective of deriving political mileage by dividing the people.
