Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Sept, 29
Admonishing the BJP for ‘inflicting multiple dents upon dogra pride’ during its rule in the state and the centre, Mr. Harsh Dev Singh Chairman-JKNPP and former Minister said that the saffron party had done the greatest dis-service to the people by demoting J&K state to the level of UT. “The only state in the country known as dogra state and created by Dogra riders was dis-mantled overnight and divided into two Union Territories at the sweet will of the authoritarian leaders ruling the roost. And those who tried to question the govt’s moves were treated with derision and contempt with govt hammering them with the iron fist of police. Not only the obliteration of the dogra state but the BJP govt at the centre enacted a domicile law which paved the way for entry of outsiders in J&K thus posing a grave threat to the very culture, language and identity of dogras. And now the Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex was being converted into a Hotel which had triggered massive outrage in the dogra heart land”, observed Mr. Singh. He was addressing a huge gathering on the conclusion of three day Leadership Training Camp organized by the Chenani unit of JKNPP at Kud.
Making a mention of the unwholesome compromises made by BJP for power sake during coalition rule including those relating to refusal for CBI probe in Rasana case and dubbing of dogras as ‘rapists supporters’, Mr. Singh said that herculean efforts would have to be made to strengthen the multiple dents inflicted upon dogra honour by these self proclaimed champions of Jammu. “Is there anything more valuable than self pride? And is there anything ghastlier than an insult to our honour?” roared Harsh. “While FIRs were lodged against Army and CRPF and amnesty granted to anti nationals and stone-pelters, the BJP and its Cheer leaders remained conspicuously silent and tight lipped. Where were they who swore by the sovereignty and nationalism at the drop of hat and nailed anyone and everyone for not doing enough for the security forces and for nationalist people. The so-called champions made one surrender after the other under the smoke screen of national interest during their 3 ½ year rule”, said Harsh.
Pointing towards the lengthy list of surrenders made by BJP on nationalist issues, Mr. Singh said that its leaders in J&K had caused the greatest disappointment to their own supporters as well by abandoning its age-old principles. He said that several other obnoxious overtures of saffron flavoured govt in J&K included abandonment of Sainik Colony project in Kashmir in view of the Ex-servicemen symbolizing Indian nationalism, refusal to grant holiday on Maharaja Hari Singh birthday, re-naming of Hari Parbat as Kohi-e-maran, describing Bahu-Fort as Shahbad, introduction of Kashmiri language as a subject in Jammu Colleges, refusal to grant dogra certificate, division of Jammu region into Pir-Panjal and Chenab Valley region as indicated in AOA, compensation to NOKs of stone-pelters and militants, refusal to grant ex-gratia to soldiers martyred while fighting militancy in the state, dilly dally over eviction of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis illegally settled in Jammu, allocation of all 10,000 posts of SPOs sanctioned by Union Govt in favour of Kashmir besides utter discrimination against Jammu youth in the matter of appointments to govt Jobs.
Accusing the BJP of obliterating the very visage of dogra history, Mr. Singh said that the humiliation heaped by it on the people of Jammu region would cost it its postal address in the days to come.
Mr. Yash Paul Kundal, General Secretary-JKNPP and former Minister vowed to take the fight for empowerment of Jammu to its logical conclusion. He said that NPP alone was the panacea for the ills afflicting Jammu region.
Prominent among those who spoke on the occasion included Sukhdev Singh, Mrs. Manju Singh, Rajesh Padgotra, Gagan Pratap, Ashri Devi, Usha Devi, Parkash Chand, Basharat Ali, Raj Pratap Singh besides others.
