Tara Chand emphasizes need to strengthen secularism in J&K

Senior DAP leader Tara Chand during a public meeting at Khour in Jammu district.
Senior DAP leader Tara Chand during a public meeting at Khour in Jammu district.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 8: Emphasizing the need to strengthen secularism in northern-most region of Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in the country, the former deputy chief minister of J&K and senior Democratic Azad Party (DAP) leader Tara Chand today said that people should unite to fight those creating disharmony among the religious groups and sects.
“The need of the hour is to unite and fight against those who are creating a wedge among the communities and castes in J&K and other parts of the country through various devious means,” he said while addressing a public meeting at Khour.
India is a secular country with many religious groups having been living with harmony for centuries, he said, adding however some elements with the support of agencies from outside are trying to destroy this fabric for their vested interests and cause turmoil in J&K and other parts of the country.
The senior DAP leader said that all must join hands to defeat such elements and ensure that people live with cordiality in this land. Referring to his party’s goals, Chand said that it would strive for ensuring justice to all -be it about unemployment, discrimination or other matters.
Chand, also a former Speaker of J&K Assembly, also referred to the miseries of the people due to price rise of essential commodities and said that it has disturbed almost all sections of the people. He also referred to various other issues pertaining to J&K and said that DAP would ensure justice for all once it forms Government in J&K.
Other senior DAP leaders and activists who attended the function include Narinder Sharma, Varun Magotra, Madan Lal Sharma, Jagattar Singh, Suram Singh, Bachan Singh (Sarpanch), Sham Lal, Balbir Singh, Tersem Singh, Vipan lachotra (youth leader), Deep Kumar, Jalbir Singh, Captain Kali Dass and Anudeep Sharma.