Hindu, Muslim Dogras warn ‘outsiders’ against incitement

Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 23

Even as political parties are brazenly trying to exploit the prevailing situation of the Jammu region, Dogras — both Hindus and Muslims — on Thursday cautioned outsiders against inciting people for their petty political gains.

Dogra leaders vowed to frustrate the nefarious designs of outsiders, who, according to them, were trying to turn Jammu into a battlefield to further their decisive agenda in the region.

“We, the Dogras — both Hindus and Muslims — are competent enough to solve our issues amicably without any help from the outsiders with vested interests,” Sujat Khan, general secretary of the Anjuman-e-Imamia, told The Tribune.

Khan said there were a few Muslim families in Jullaka Mohalla, where he lives, but there was no fear among them due to their centuries-old bond. “We are living here for a long time and there’s no reason to be afraid.”

A meeting of prominent leaders of the Dogra community, irrespective of caste or religious, would be convened to formulate peace committees to frustrate the divisive designs of outsiders of any religion, he said.

Echoing sentiments, BS Slathia, president of the J&K High Court Bar Association (Jammu) and a prominent Dogra leader, said, “The outsiders who are trying to teach us the lesson of secularism should do so in their own areas. For centuries, Dogras have been living in total harmony and brotherhood.”

We, the Dogras — both Hindus and Muslims — have been living peacefully with our Hindu brethren in Jammu city for centuries and will not allow outsiders to shatter our secular fabric. — Sujat Khan, General Secretary, Anjuman-e-Imamia