- “Unity, commitment to peace in Kashmir"
JAMMU: Congratulating Kashmiri pandits for the reopening of historic temple of Goddess Uma Bhagwati ji after more than 34 years in District Anantnag of Kashmir in the presence of Union Minister Nityanand Rai, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K Executive Member Raman Suri said that the Union government led by BJP is committed to restore peace and brotherhood in the Union Territory of J&K. He also praised the local Muslim population of Brariangan in South Kashmir’s district of Anantnag for welcoming devotees and setting an example of composite culture, that has been the real strength of Kashmir.
Raman Suri also 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. He added that 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.
Raman Suri said that despite some stray incidents of violence, the government is leaving no stone unturned to restore peace in the Union Territory, and still appreciable is 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 Uma Bhagwati ji was brought from Rajasthan and installed in the sanctum sanctorum amid chanting of religious hymns.
The BJP leader 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 in cheers and smiles on 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. Raman Suri said, this means that even the local population is sick and tired of the gun culture and want to see such events taking place in their villages so that people can enjoy all socio-economic activities.
Raman Suri said, 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 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.
Suri further said, the way the Union Government is prioritising development in Jammu and 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 of progress and prosperity.
