Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed uproar on Wednesday after BJP MLA Shagun Parihar alleged that the government was neglecting certain areas of Kishtwar because “nationalist Hindus” live there.
Her remarks during the Zero Hour triggered sharp objections from the treasury benches. Minister Javid Dar termed the comments “communal” and demanded that they be expunged.
National Conference MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi said that thousands of Muslims have made sacrifices for the nation and should not be disrespected. Amid the commotion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said that Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians in Jammu and Kashmir are equally patriotic as Hindus.
“I request that the hurtful words be removed from the record,” Gurezi appealed to the Speaker.
Parihar, however, defended herself, claiming that PDP members had made similar remarks during Tuesday’s proceedings. “PDP leaders said that Hindus play divide and rule,” she alleged. Both Parihar and Deputy CM Choudhary urged the Speaker to review the House recordings to verify the statements.
Congress MLAs also protested against Parihar’s remarks. Minister Javid Ahmad Dar reiterated that the government works without any religious bias. “We serve all people equally,” he said.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather advised the BJP MLA to be mindful of her language. “This is your first term in the House. Please choose your words carefully and avoid controversy. You have a long way to go, and we wish you well,” he said.
