Srinagar, Oct 21 (JKNS): Akhil Bharatiya Sampark Pramukh and RSS leader Ram Lal on Wednesday called for strengthening communal harmony and social unity in Kashmir, saying the region could show the way to the rest of the country by following the path of peace and coexistence.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar, as per news agency JKNS, Ram Lal said people in Kashmir had realised that terrorism and violence could not bring peace, stability or development, and urged them to uphold the region’s traditional values of communal harmony.
He said Kashmir had a long history of people from different communities living together, adding that the region’s cultural heritage reflected the traditions of both Sanatani and Sufi saints.
“The culture of Kashmir is very ancient. Everyone used to live together in Kashmir. There is an old tradition of Sanatani saints and an old tradition of Sufi saints,” he said.
Urging people to continue following the path of coexistence, Ram Lal said Kashmir could set an example for the entire country by strengthening mutual respect and understanding among communities.
“All the people of Kashmir should follow this path and show the way to India,” he said, while cautioning people against being influenced by outside forces.
Emphasising the need for social unity, the RSS leader said people should rise above differences of caste, religion and language and respect one another.
“We should accept everyone, respect everyone and tolerate everyone. This is India,” he said.
*RSS Leader Rejects Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations*
Responding to questions about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks alleging that the RSS considered women subordinate and denied them equal rights, Ram Lal rejected the allegations and termed them “lies”.
He said the organisation had faced allegations for years and maintained that its functioning should be understood by examining its activities and the roles played by women.
“We do not comment on political issues. We do not even comment on political leaders. But there have been a lot of lies about the Sangh for many years,” he said.
Ram Lal asserted that women held various roles within the organisation and invited critics to visit the RSS to understand its functioning.
*Says India’s Progress Can Contribute to Global Peace*
Commenting on India’s growing global influence, the RSS leader said some world powers might seek to maintain their dominance, while expressing the view that India’s progress could contribute to peace at the international level.
*Calls for Dialogue on Race Course Mosque Issue*
On the eviction notice issued to Delhi’s historic Race Course Mosque, Ram Lal said such matters should not be viewed solely through a religious lens and called for dialogue between the governments concerned.
“My headquarters is in Mumbai. That is why I do not know all the details,” he said, adding that the matter should be discussed carefully by the governments concerned to avoid conflict.
Ram Lal’s remarks centred on the importance of peace, social harmony and mutual respect, with a call for Kashmir to draw upon its historical traditions of coexistence to set an example for the rest of the country. (JKNS)
