Gujjars condemn ''discrimination'' with Jammu on Amarnath land issue

Jammu, Jul 11 (UNI) Supporting the people of Jammu over the Amarnath land controversy, the Jammu and Kashmir Gujjars United Front today said being secular, the community always stood for nationalist and secular forces for the integration of the country and demanded that land be handed over to the Shrine Board.

Addressing a press conference here, Anwar Choudhary, president United Front said, ''we appreciate the people of Jammu for their positive approach despite recent disturbances following the land transfer controversy.'' Mr Choudhary alleged that some anti-national elements and vested interests created disturbance and tried to communalise the land transfer issue in the name of religion.

''Wherever there be a ''discrimination'' with any section of people on religion and regional grounds, the Gujjars shall stand with the people for mitigation of any such deprivation,'' Mr Choudhary said.

Meanwhile, the members of the United Front also condemned the anti-social and communal elements, who tried to spoil peaceful atmosphere and create wedge between two communities.

''We condemn the anti-social elements responsible for damaging and targeting the houses of the Gujjars community on Jammu outskirts. The affected families should get adequate compensation, whose property burnt to ashes,'' Mr Choudhary asserted.

However, pleading the genuine cause of Jammu region, the Gujjar Front held the revocation of land transfer order ''unconstitutional'' and ''void''.

UNI VBH SW HT1602