New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad speaks on the recent unrest in the Valley on the first day of Parliament’s monsoon session in the Rajya Sabha.
“The situation in Kashmir is worse than what it was in 2008 and 2010,” Azad said.” More than 40 dead and over 1800 people are injured in Kashmir. Despite large-scale violence during Haryana riots, pellet guns were not used, he added.
“We must ensure that the government’s attitude towards the civilians in Kashmir is that of a parent towards their children.”
The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister did not abstain from giving his opinion on Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik, who is facing allegations of inspiring terrorists.
Targeting the media houses for pronouncing him guilty, the senior Congress leader demanded a thorough investigation against the Dr. Naik if he preaches terror.
Azad also attacked VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi and demanded action for her highly communal speeches against Muslims, provoking Hindus to rise in arms.
“Kashmir is burning and we have this Zakir Naik issue. I am not a follower of Zakir Naik’s theory. I have not listened to him, neither am I interested. Investigate him if there are serious allegations against him. But shouldn’t you also take action against Sadhvi Prachi who says that she would give Rs 50 lakh to anyone who decapitates Naik. Doesn’t this demand penal action?” Azad said.
“What are these primetime shows doing? They want Hindus and Muslims to rise up in arms in order to give them TRPs. They will place Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists on the panel and want the viewers to get frenzied upon communal lines,” he added.
Lashing out at controversial anti-Pakistan commentator Tarek Fatah and Islam critic Taslima Nasreen, Azad said, “Taslima Nasreen was removed from Bangladesh for writing against Islam, against the Quran. We gave her refuge. But she appears on television and lambasts Muslims and Islam. Doesn’t that provoke the sentiments of people. Similarly, there is one Tarek Fatah, who has spoken against rules of Islam. He stays out of Pakistan, in Canada. But people like him are brought on television to launch their tirade against Indian Muslims.”