[Reader-list] Amaranth Land Issue

[prakash ray]

Dear All,

The protests and related debate since the central and state governments
reached an agreement to transfer 100 acres of forestland to the Amarnath
board which organizes the annual Amarnath yatra have taken an ugly and
violent turn. Thankfully, the decision has been revoked. Now the democratic
leaders must work to restore secular atmosphere. It must be recalled that
the erstwhile monarchy used to grant favors to the religious heads in order
to get social control and sanction. Such policies,
unfortunately and dangerously, is still being continued by the political
leadership. It is time to decide to discontinue the government policy to
have religious bodies under the state's control and provide them unethical
patronage. It is to be noted that the Governor heads the Hindu shrine boards
and the chief minister heads the Muslim Wakfs. The government must get out
of this kind of control and must restrict itself to provide the needed
support to public who visit shrines, temples, mosques and other kinds of
religious places and festivals/fairs. There must be a rethinking on the tax
benefits extended to the religious bodies earning crores and crores of
rupees. Such changes in policies should be applied to all over the country,
not only in the J & K.

I am not proposing to overlook the role of previous Governor or the
misguided Congress leadership or the communal elements, particularly the
BJP-VHP combine in making things worse. Certain elements, who mischievously
claims to be representatives of the both communities, always use such
tactics and situation to deepen the divide. I pray to the Almighty to grant
them goodness.


Regards,

Prakash