The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday castigated UP politician Amar Singh for his statement on Article 370 and Muslims, terming it as “provocative”, “biased” and an “attempt to vitiate the atmosphere of tranquillity” in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
PDP senior Vice- President Sartaj Madni in his reaction to Singh’s statement said that Jammu and Kashmir is availing the special status as per constitution and its Muslim majority character is a recognized historical reality.
He said the state also has a separate constitution which symbolizes its unique position in the Indian union.
Madni said PDP is duty bound and committed to safeguard this special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said any utterances against the defined position of the state and its complexion are not only unfortunate but “seditious” in character and “brazen attempt to undermine the trust people have reposed in the system.”
He said it has been abundantly made clear at several occasions to powers that “people of the state will thwart any move which is aimed at undoing the state’s constitutional position. Any assault on the demography veiled or obvious will simply be viewed as outrageous and therefore intolerable.”
Observing that some communal elements are out to “hurt the sentiments of Muslims in the state and the country as a whole”, PDP vice president warned that the communal hatred will take the country back into chaos and uncertainty and those trying to make such bizarre attempts must be dealt with through positive social discourse and should also be brought to book for an exemplary punishment under the law of the land.
“Whatever is guaranteed by the Constitution of the country has to be preserved and protected. It is the unity in diversity which will lead one and all towards the better and prosperous times in which new horizons could be scanned with eager hope and earnest efforts,” Madni said.
He said Muslims of the state and Muslims elsewhere in India have immensely contributed to nation-building on principles of equity. “History is replete with details on how the Muslims have shaped Indian civilization through their acknowledged contribution to its ethos, architecture and economy. India would not have been a competing economic power or a strong cultural entity but for the sacrifices given by Muslim community at the history’s crucial junctures.”
Madni suggested that instead of making provocative statements, those who try to “resurrect their dying political careers” through unpleasant rhetoric and divisive agenda should work towards harmony in the society.