Srinagar, Oct 29: Heated scenes erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wednesday after BJP MLA Shagun Parihar alleged that the government was neglecting certain areas of Kishtwar district because “nationalist Hindus” lived there.
The comments, made during the Zero Hour, drew strong objections from both treasury and opposition benches. Minister Javid Dar immediately termed the remarks “communal” and called for them to be expunged from the record.
Joining the protest, NC MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi said thousands of Muslims have laid down their lives for the nation and should not be disrespected. “Such statements only hurt the unity of our people,” he said.
Amid the uproar, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary intervened, asserting that Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians in Jammu and Kashmir are “as nationalist as Hindus.” “We must avoid divisive language. The House represents all communities,” he said.
Parihar, however, defended her statement, claiming that PDP leaders had made similar remarks during Tuesday’s session, alleging that “Hindus play divide and rule.” Both Parihar and the Deputy Chief Minister requested that recordings of the proceedings be reviewed to verify the statements.
Congress MLAs also voiced their disapproval, while Minister Javid Ahmad Dar reiterated that the government “does not work from a religious perspective” and “serves all citizens equally.”
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather urged the first-time BJP legislator to exercise restraint in her language. “Please choose your words carefully. You have a long way to go in public life, and we want you to progress,” he advised.
The incident highlighted the growing tension in the House over sensitive communal references during debates.