War Cries on Prime time TV shows creating misinformation among communities: Abdul Haq

JAMMU: Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice Abdul Haq today said that misinformation is being created in some news channels that are creating mistrust between communities in Kashmir.

Minister was speaking at a function organised by Kashmir Pandit Sabha to celebrate Navreh.

MLA Abdul Majeed Padder, MLC Yasir Reshi, Vice Chancellor Central University Jammu, Prof Ashok Aima and President of KP Sabha, K K Khosa were also present in the function.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said instead of bridging the gaps which is the need of the hour, some TV news channels are creating wedge between the communities by making their studios as war rooms.

Calling for dialogue between the communities at every level, Minister said nobody is against the return of Kashmiri Pandits. He said media should play constructive role in bridging the gaps so that the mistrust is vanished. People from both the communities have been the victims of propaganda and misinformation which is the prime bottleneck in the return of Kashmir Pandits to the valley.

Abdul Haq said the migration was not the loss of Kashmir Pandits only but the Muslims also suffered as they lost the teachers. He said the migration lead to the causality of real composite culture of the Kashmir valley.

The Minister stressed on the members of the community to join hands to get their voice heard and be the part of decision making process. He asked them to make themselves indispensible by using their intelligentsia so that the authorities are compelled to listen to their demands.

Abdul Haq said there is no alternative to dialogue as confrontation leads to nowhere. He said while  the state government want dialogue between two countries to bring peace in the valley, there is also need to increase communication channels between different communities including Kashmiri  Pandits and Muslims so that the misconceptions are reduced and trust and good will is achieved among the communities.

The Minister urged the community to make the authorities accountable by being part of the decision making process and take part in the democratic setup more strongly to make their voices heard.

He said the celebration of  Navreh is symbolic but the real dawn of spring and new year will be the day peace returns to the valley and when all communities live together with peace and dignity.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has a hearty wish to see Kashmiri Pandits back as the valley is incomplete without them, he said adding that the Chief Minister is keen to address all the issues of the migrant community and all necessary measure will be taken to address the issues.