Jammu, Mar 1: The Bharatiya Janata Party member, Ashok Khajuria had to face strong opposition from People’s Democratic Party and some members from the treasury benches when he remarked that ‘Islamic fundamentalism’ was big threat to the world which needs to be dealt with iron hand during his speech on the vote of thanks on Governors address.
 While the PDP members reacted by terming the “Saffron terror’ as the biggest threat, the members from the treasury benches,  including Animal Husbandry Minister, Aga Syed Rahulla sought apology from Khajuria for making such remarks.
 Reacting sharply, Ruhulla said by using word ‘Islamic fundamentalism’, the member has hurt the sentiments of entire Muslim world. “Khajuria saab be warned not to use such words for Islam and should tender an apology to House”, Ruhulla said.
 All the PDP MLAs stood from there chairs and demanded that House should take action against Ashok Khajuria. “It’s not Islamic fundamentalism, but Saffron terror which is real threat to the peace. He should be suspended from the house for his remarks”, PDP members demanded.
 Congress MLA from Banihal, Vikar Rasool objected to Khajuria’s views and urged the Speaker to suspend him from the Assembly. “No Muslim can tolerate this as Islam has always shown the path of peace and speech is objectionable”
 Speaker, Muhammad Akbar Lone while expressing concern over the manner in which Ashok Khajuria used words and said being a Muslim himself, he had forgiven the member. “I am Muslim first then the Speaker of the house and politician and Islam has taught us to forgive mistakes made by people. So I forgive Khajuria for his remarks”, Lone said.
 Earlier, BJP member said solution to the Kashmir issue was only possible when, ‘Do Nishan, Do Vidhan’ would end and State be totally integrated with the rest of the country. “Nothing has been done to solve the issue of PaK refugees, West Pakistan refugees, who are still facing the discrimination at the hands of the Government”, he said.
 On accession of the J&K with India, he said, “Marriages cannot be conditional and similarly accession cannot be revoked”. 

Lastupdate on : Tue, 1 Mar 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 1 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 2 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST