Budgam, September 10: Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Shammi Oberoi on Wednesday visited Nanak Charm Asthan Gurdwara in Beerwah and expressed satisfaction over the ongoing developmental initiatives in the area, while stressing the need to further strengthen peace, communal harmony and Muslim-Sikh brotherhood.
Shammi Oberoi, along with Beerwah MLA Dr. Shafi Ahmed Wani, laid the foundation stone for the renovation and beautification project of Nanak Charm Asthan Gurdwara. On the occasion, he said the project would help preserve and improve the historic religious site besides providing better facilities to devotees.
According to the foundation stone, the estimated cost of the project is Rs 2.82 crore. The work will be executed by the PWR&B Division Beerwah under the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Jammu and Kashmir.
Oberoi said he was happy to see members of the Muslim and Sikh communities living together in an atmosphere of peace, brotherhood and harmony in Beerwah. He said local people wanted further development of the Gurdwara, along with improvements in roads, lighting and other basic facilities.
The MP said that while representing Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament, he raises issues concerning all communities, including Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. He said this was his first visit to the Gurdwara and that he was pleased to witness the atmosphere of brotherhood prevailing there.
He said the Gurdwara authorities had also requested an ambulance and that he had discussed the matter with MLA Dr. Shafi Ahmed Wani. He expressed hope that a letter regarding the ambulance would be issued next week. He said efforts would also be made to provide an ambulance facility for the Gurdwara so that people from different communities could benefit from it.
Oberoi said his message was clear: people should live together in peace, harmony and brotherhood and work collectively for the development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the issue concerning MBBS intern doctors, the MP said the government was looking into the matter and that Health Minister Sakina Itoo was also monitoring the situation. He expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon and that all necessary steps would be taken in the interest of the students.
On the ongoing debate over Tanvir Sadiq’s remarks, Oberoi said that the PDP and BJP, being in the Opposition, had the democratic right to question the government. However, he said the remarks should not be viewed in the manner in which some Opposition leaders had portrayed them.
He clarified that his intention was only to highlight that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had done a lot for the people of Kashmir. He said Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had made significant contributions in the field of education, provided people with assistance and opportunities, and helped them stand on their own feet with dignity and respect.
Oberoi said his statement had been interpreted differently and appealed that the matter should not be unnecessarily prolonged or taken in a personal or any other manner.
“We are all brothers and live together. Here, Muslims and Sikhs stand together in brotherhood, and this unity and brotherhood is our strength,” he said.
He said Farooq Abdullah was referring to the contributions of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, particularly his role in promoting education, providing land and dignity to Kashmiris, and empowering people during the political struggle against the Maharaja.
Shammi Oberoi appealed to all sides not to unnecessarily escalate the matter and not to present statements out of context. He said people belonging to all communities were brothers and that Jammu and Kashmir should continue moving forward on the path of communal harmony, brotherhood and development.
