Srinagar, Sep 08: Education Minister and senior National Conference leader Sakina Itoo on Monday strongly reacted to the controversy over the installation of a plaque with the Ashoka emblem at the revered Hazratbal shrine, saying the move has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the people.
Speaking to reporters, Itoo said it was unjustified to label everyone in Kashmir as a militant. She demanded the release of those arrested in connection with the protests, remarking that those who have militancy backgrounds themselves cannot brand the entire population as militants.
The minister as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said that dictatorship must end in Jammu and Kashmir, and people’s religious and emotional sensitivities should be respected. “Hazratbal is our pride. By installing a plaque with the emblem there, people’s sentiments have been hurt. Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, who developed Hazratbal, never installed any stone there. How is it possible now to put up a plaque with an emblem,” she asked.
Sakina Itoo reiterated that the government should listen to the voice of the people and avoid taking steps that disturb peace and harmony at sacred places. [KNT]
