Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 2: The book titled Issues of the Religious Minorities of Jammu and Kashmir State was released at an impressive function at K L Sehgal hall here.
The book has been compiled by Prof G K Muju convener Kashmiri Hindu Minority Conference and J&K Minorities Rights Forum.
The book is the compilation of series of articles on the issues of the minorities of the State, National Commission of Minorities Act, views of the National Commission of Minorities of the State, court related directives and other activities undertaken by these organizations during the past about two decades.
The conversation regarding the rights of these religious minorities of the State has been published by Prof G K Muju on behalf of the Voice of Silence.
The function was attended by galaxy of academicians and social activists. MLC and senior BJP leader Ramesh Arora was the chief guest on the occasion. Prof A N Sadhu and Waris Gill president Christian Association were on the dais.
In his presidential address Prof A N Sadhu demanded that the National Commission for Minorities Act be either extended to J&K where in Sikhs have been declared a minority at all India level or a Commission for Minorities be set up for the State minorities.
He said the Sikhs are being ignored at various levels and denied their rights. He lauded the efforts of Prof Muju in highlighting the issues of minorities of the State.
Similar views were expressed by Waris Gill who said though the Christians have been declared a minority at the national level under the NCM Act, 1992 but the Act has not been extended to J&K State. He also demanded that NCM Act, 1992 be either extended to the State or the State should constitute its own Minority Commission to look into the interests of minorities in the State.
Prof Muju gave a brief history of the formation of these bodies and their activities during these years. He urged the Government to constitute a State Minority Commission for the State minorities.
Prof Muju said that even NCM has said that the Hindus of J&K should be declared a minority in J&K so Government should take an immediate step in this regard.
Ramesh Arora expressed concern over the conditions of minorities in the State and said that the interests of minorities should be guarded and looked into at both State and Central level. He said in a socialistic Government every body and every section of the society should get equal chance to progress.
The welcome address was made by Kuldeep Pandita who also conducted the proceedings while vote of thanks was proposed by Upender Ji.
Follow our WhatsApp channel