Insecurity among Muslims after Varanasi blasts: Mehbooba

Srinagar, Mar 14 (UNI) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti today expressed dismay over recent incidents of violence in various parts of India and claimed that this had led to a sense of insecurity among a section of the society.

She called for strenuous efforts to uphold, maintain and preserve the secular ethos of the country.

In a statement here, Ms Mufti said it was appreciating that the people maintained communal harmony even after blasts in Varanasi.

However, she said it was disturbing to read some media reports suggesting that certain sections of the society, particularly the minorities, were harassed during investigations of these incidents.

It would not be advisable to view the entire community with suspicion for isolated incidents committed by stray elements, Ms Mufti said, adding this would not only alienate the minorities, but provide an opportunity to vested interests to defame the country.

''The same applies to Kashmir where majority of people desire for a peaceful and dignified life and want that their all political, social and economic aspirations are addressed to,'' she said.

The PDP President said not more than two per cent population of Jammu and Kashmir resorted to gun while the remaining 98 per cent which includes 70 per cent Muslims preferred a peaceful life.

She called for isolating and alienating the mischievous elements so that the country continued its march on the path of development.

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