In Srinagar, hugs invited for communal harmony

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 30

Standing blindfolded in the summer capital, a Kashmiri Pandit today invited people to hug him to promote universal brotherhood and tolerance between different communities of the state.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reconciliation Front chairman, Dr Sandeep Mawa, who was accompanied by members of the Muslim and Sikh community, appeared blindfolded at the Press Enclave area and started inviting people to hug him.

Supporters accompanying Mawa were carrying banners that read: “I am a Hindu... hug me”, “I am a Muslim... hug me” and “I am a Sikh... hug me”. They had apparently taken a cue from a Muslim man who had invited hugs in Paris after the terrorist attack in France on November 13.

Talking to reporters, Mawa said their aim was to promote universal brotherhood and bettering relations among the members of different communities.

Warning politicians against ‘dividing’ people on religious lines that could lead to “civil unrest”, he said: “We do not want politicians and agencies to divide people on the basis of religion. We will not allow anyone to harm Kashmiriyat. We oppose the hate campaign. The politics of religion is not good.”

Mawa also urged the Centre to initiate a dialogue with Pakistan for the resolution of Kashmir issue.