Islam safer in India than in Pak -- Shah

Islam safer in India than in Pak -- Shah
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

POONCH, SEPT 21: Acting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Mohi-U-Din Shah has asserted that Islam was safer in India than in Pakistan.

``The future of Muslims in India is bright where they have complete freedom to preach and practice their religion,'' Shah, who is the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, said while addressing a public meeting here yesterday. He ALSO accused Pakistan of being jealous of the tremendous progress achieved by India in different fields.

Pakistan abetted and sponsored armed militancy in THE Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir to disrupt the pace of development and progress, he said. Militancy in the name of êIjehadêR brought only miseries and agonies to the people and destroyed the infrastructure in the state, he said.

He said that with determined efforts of the government and active support of the people, gun culture from the state will be wiped out and complete normalcy restored.

Shah said security forces were engaged in the unenviable job of fighting militancy. However, he said, they have been advised to ensure that innocent people do not suffer during the anti-militancy operations.

The government, he said, was making every endeavour to provide basic amenities to the people especially those living in far-flung and remote areas, he said.