As communal tensions flare up in the Valley and security agencies warn of “consequences,” the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Friday unanimously passed a resolution “to maintain the old tradition of secularism, pluralism and tolerance.”
Two resolutions on religious tolerance — one moved by the National Conference working president, Omar Abdullah, and another by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party Minister, Nayeem Akhtar, — were unanimously passed by members of all parties, including the BJP, in both the Houses.
Mr. Abdullah’s resolution called upon the national parties “to seek the support of the people throughout the country in creating an environment of peace and harmony so that all sections of society become real stakeholders in the idea of India.”
Commenting on the resolution, Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed said: “The message of inclusiveness preached by great leaders must not get eclipsed by the action of those who create panic leading to insecurity among the minorities of the country. There is no place for extremists, hate-mongers in a civilised society.”
Mr. Sayeed said the unity and integrity of India would be shaken if its people fight in the name of religion. “Muslims of the country cannot be ignored. They have supported different leaders from various political parties and need to be given a sense of security,” he added.
