Jammu, Sept 05: Reacting sharply to the desecration of Ashoka Emblem at Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar on Friday, the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh unit of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) demanded harshest punishment for the accused.
In a press statement, Rajesh Gupta, president VHP, Jammu Kashmir Ladakh, said, “The desecration and vandalism of our national symbol, the Ashoka Emblem, at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar is a grave, condemnable, and unacceptable crime. This act is indicative of extremist elements aiming to damage the unity, integrity, and cultural pride of our nation.”
Rajesh Gupta further said hat certain political parties active in Jammu & Kashmir, especially the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), due to their narrow political and regional agendas, have weakened the peace and stability of the region and, inadvertently or otherwise, have emboldened these dangerous elements.
“The sadistic policies of the NC government have exacerbated and fueled the social and religious tensions. This has provided open platforms to extremist forces, encouraging acts that disrespect our national symbols and disrupt communal harmony. It is deeply regrettable that such incidents are endangering social cohesion in the Valley”, Gupta asserted.
Rajesh Gupta added that VHP strongly condemned this heinous act and demands stringent and effective action from both the Lt Governor administration and Central Governments.
“We urge that the culprits be legally punished harshly so that no one dares to commit such disgraceful acts in the future. We appeal to all communities to maintain peace, unity, brotherhood, and respect our national symbols and cultural heritage”, Gupta urged.
He also stressed that in Jammu & Kashmir, VHP will continue its struggle with strength and determination for national unity, cultural pride, and social harmony.
“We will adopt a firm stance against all forms of terrorism, destruction, and communal division. Our goal is for this land to once again become a symbol of unity, security, prosperity, and coexistence”, Gupta emphasized.”
