Uproar in J&K Assembly over Sadhvi Prachi’s ‘Muslim-free India’ statement

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today witnessed uproar over the controversial statement of VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi, calling for “Muslim-Free India” even as opposition members sought a condemnation from the PDP-BJP government.

The issue was raised during the Question Hour by Independent MLA Sheikh Abdul Rasheed, who asked the government to explain what she meant by her controversial “Muslim-Mukt Bharat” statement.

“Is this what you mean by ‘Desh Badal Raha Hai’ (the nation is changing)?” Rasheed said.

He was supported by Congress members who also condemned the statement made by Sadhvi Prachi.

“What is this Muslim-Mukt Bharat? Do they want to repeat Gujarat (2002 riots)?” Congress MLA G M Saroori said. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh (BJP) said the statement has appeared in newspapers and it is not right to make such comments.

“India is a secular country where people of all faiths and communities live including the atheists. The statement (Muslim-Mukt Bharat), which appeared in the newspapers, is not right,” Singh said but stopped short of condemning the VHP leader’s remark.

On Wednesday Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council, the Upper House, had witnessed a ruckus over the statement made by Sadhvi Prachi in Roorkee.

Known for courting controversies, Sadhvi Prachi had claimed the mission of a “Congress-free India” has already been “accomplished” and it is now time to “rid the country of Muslims”.