Communal forces in Jammu providing grist to the mill: PDP

Srinagar, Jul 29 (UNI) Expressing concern over the tense situation in Jammu, People's Democratic Party (PDP) today alleged that some communal forces, determined to divide Jammu and Kashmir on communal lines, are providing grist to the mill.

Addressing a public meeting at Bogam in the central Kashmir district of Badgam, former Finance Minister Tariq Hamid Qarra said the communal forces spread tension in the city of temples through their irresponsible utterances.

He said fearing a political debacle in the ensuing assembly elections and an outright public rejection, there could not be a better occasion for parties like BJP to harp on misinformed Amarnath Shrine Board land transfer issue.

Mr Qarra said PDP was not against Yatra and this misnomer spread by fascist elements who vehemently argued that there was a conspiracy going on to stop the annual Yatra is absolutely baseless.

''This is like kick- starting the country- wide campaign to gain sympathy out of the issue and look for the political dividends for the forthcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir,'' he said.

Mr Qarra said people of the state have always rejected the fascist forces as they religiously believe in communal harmony and brotherhood.

The former minister said it was his party which withdrew its support to respect the sentiments of people and come what may it will never compromise on the public interest.

He said, as the assembly elections draw nearer, the communal voices are becoming louder in Jammu and the enemies of peace have started flexing their muscles and redoubled the hate propaganda to reap a rich electoral harvest in the forth coming elections. But people are clever and would never allow them to succeed in their sinister designs,'' Mr Qarra said.

Appealing to the people of Jammu to maintain calm and peace, Mr Qarra cautioned them to remain vigilant against communal elements who want to label the recent crisis in communal colour for their petty electoral interests.

''Jammuites should understand that these elements want to destroy the city's economy by adding fuel to fire,'' he said urging them to take cognizance of these conspiracies.

He said flourishing economy of Jammu has come to a stand still and the fascist forces are responsible for the same.

Mr Qarra said people of Jammu should understand that their business, work, and security has been hit hard by the continuing agitation.

''The sooner the Jammuites would understand plans of fascist forces the better it would be for their life, liberty and economy,'' he said.

UNI BAS ARB HT1825