Hails Muslims for setting example of composite culture
Jammu, July 15: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K Executive Member Raman Suri on Monday congratulated Kashmiri Pandits for the reopening of the historic temple of Goddess Uma Bhagwati ji after more than 34 years in Anantnag district.
He praised the local Muslim population of Brariangan, Anantnag for welcoming devotees and setting an example of a composite culture, which he said, has been the real strength of Kashmir.
Suri in a statement said the Union government is committed to restoring peace and brotherhood in Jammu & Kashmir. He appreciated the local administration including Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Syed Fakhurdin Hamid, SSP Anantnag Dr G V Sundeep Chakravarthy, district administration and office bearers of Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust for making elaborate arrangements for the devotees and bringing the entire village back to life after more than three decades.
“The devotees besides local people were happy to see their village beaming with festivity and fervour because of this mega event that was close to the heart of Kashmiri Pandits,” he said.
The BJP leader said that despite some stray incidents of violence, the government is leaving no stone unturned to restore peace in the Union Territory. He appreciated the role of local people, many of whom extended a helping hand to their erstwhile neighbours in ensuring their safe stay and performing rituals at the temple.
“Since the idol was damaged in the temple, a new idol of Goddess UmaBhagwati ji was brought from Rajasthan and installed in the sanctum sanctorum amid chanting of religious hymns,” he said.
Raman Suri said that the restoration of temples and starting of rituals is being widely welcomed by everyone, and seeing the village come to life has brought cheers and smiles to everyone’s faces in Kashmir, which is a healthy sign of normalcy.
“The kind of help the locals have extended speaks of their desire to see Kashmiri Pandits back to their homes as soon as possible. This means that even the local population is sick and tired of the gun culture and wants to see such events taking place in their villages so that people can enjoy all socio-economic activities,” he said.
He said that under the Modi government, terrorism is taking its last breath in J&K and those supporting it from across the border are going to face the music. The security forces now have a free hand to deal with any situation that disturbs the peace in the valley, he said, adding that local people along with the government are making all efforts to restore the real identity of Kashmir wherein everyone lived peacefully and had equal opportunities of progress before them.
Those days are not far when Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians in the valley will be celebrating religious festivals with fervour and equal participation as they used to do earlier, he said.
Suri said the way the Union Government is prioritising development in Jammu & Kashmir, the days are not far when this UT will be generating employment for millions and seeing huge investments.
“There is no room for hatred or separatism now as people are collectively building a new Kashmir that is providing youngsters with ample opportunities for progress and prosperity,” he said.
