Srinagar: Although the J & K High Court order to implement the beef ban in Kashmir was appreciated by the BJP in the state, a party leader has decided to arrange a beef party on Sunday in order to promote religious tolerance.
“I have decided to organize a party for both Hindus and Muslims. The Muslims will be served beef and the Hindus an exclusively vegetarian meal. They will share a table and it will send a message of brotherhood and religious tolerance,” Khurshid Ahmad Malik told TOI.
“The order has given rise to religious insecurities among the majority community. They feel a mismatch in their religious rights. We have to make them feel that we are with them and that is why I want to bring everyone on a single platform,” the leader added.
Malik went on to clarify that it is his personal decision and BJP has nothing to do with it. When asked if his decision to organize the beef party was against the BJP, the minister said that he is not bothered about how his decision is received among people in Delhi or in Kashmir.
“Apart from politics, I am a Muslim. I can’t compromise on my religious faith, not at all.”
“I have to see if my house is in order,” Malik said.
He further said that the government and the courts should take into account the collective conscience of the people and not ban something, which is Halal for the majority community.
Malik had contested the 2014 assembly election from Kokernag in South Kashmir on BJP ticket. He however, lost the seat.
For once a local leader considers his electorate way above party.
(image courtesy: http://goo.gl/pFX1qt)
The views expressed here are those of the authors and doesn’t reflect the official
policy of Janpratinidhi.
The views expressed here are those of the authors and doesn’t reflect the official
policy of Janpratinidhi.