Stop using girls as source of entertainment: J-K Deputy CM

Gulmarg, North Kashmir, Dec 26 (UNI) Expressing disappointment and shock over the use of girls as source of entertainment, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig said the practice must be stopped immediately.

''Our religion and culture does not allow these things,'' he said, adding, ''this practice must stop immediately.'' Addressing a gathering during a cultural show organised by the Tourism Department here, he said girls must be restricted from dancing on stage in and outside Jammu and Kashmir.

The Deputy Chief Minister said we should take performing arts as an esthetic endeavor rather than a recreational one.

We should always encourage artists so that they give out their best performances, said Mr Baig who was upset over a dance by a girl during the show.

He said the girl was dancing to the songs of noted Kashmiri Sufi poet Shams Fakir which is shocking and disappointing.

Quoting a historical incident which had evoked a strong resentment from the then ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaj Hari Singh when Maharaja of Patiala had passed a derogatory remark against an artist of the state, Mr Baig said he (Maharaja of Patiala) was banned from entering the Valley.

''If Maharaja Hari Singh could respect the women, why cannot we,'' he questioned.

We should not look at the girl as a dancer but as our daughter.

We must respect the girls and they should desist from performing in front of gatherings inside or outside the state, he said.

He said the girls should imbibe the virtue of Hazreth Fatima, daughter of Prophet Mohammad, in them and they should not be discriminated against in any sphere of life.

Reacting to the demands of the artists regarding the building of an auditorium at Gulmarg, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government will construct a state-of-art auditorium there which will have all the modern amenities.

UNI