ML Khattar's 'Kashmiri Girls' Remark Also Part of Pakistan's Letter to UN Along With Rahul Gandhi's Statement
Khattar, while addressing a function on 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign, said in a light-hearted manner that brides can also be brought from Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. After his comment triggered a row, the Haryana CM lashed out at the Opposition, alleging that his statement were being maliciously misinterpreted.
New Delhi, August 29: Pakistan's letter to the United Nations alleging rights' violations in Kashmir not only quotes senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, but Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar as well. The BJP veteran's "Kashmiri girls" remark at a public meeting formed part of Islamabad's complaint to the UN. Another party leader, Vikram Singh Saini, is also quoted in Pakistan's letter under the section titled "Gender-based Violence as a weapon of war".
Khattar, while addressing a function on "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" campaign, said in a light-hearted manner that brides can also be brought from Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. After his comment triggered a row, the Haryana CM lashed out at the Opposition, alleging that his statement were being maliciously misinterpreted. Article 370 Gone, Now Go Marry Fair Kashmiri Girls: UP BJP MLA Vikram Saini Tells Party Workers
The remarks of Khattar which triggered the row were as follows, "Our Minister Dhankhar ji used to say that we will have to bring daughters-in-law from Bihar if the number of girls reduces and the number of boys increases. Now people say that since Kashmir is open, we can bring brides from there. Jokes apart, if there is a good (sex) ratio, the balance in the society will be set right."
Saini, the BJP MLA from Khatauli, told a gathering of party workers that Muslim volunteers of the BJP now have the chance to go to Kashmir and bring "white-skinned girls". The legislator was later reprimanded by party high command, claimed BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain.
Letter to UN by Pak Minister Shireen Mazari
The letter created a political uproar in India as it quoted former Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The top Opposition leader had last week said that he got a taste of the current "draconian administration" in J&K when he was prevented to enter the state.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a press briefing over the letter by Pakistan on Thursday, claiming that all the allegations made by Islamabad are baseless.
"We strongly condemn the recent statements by Pakistani leadership on matters internal to India. These are very irresponsible statements. The letter is not even worth the paper on which it was written. Don’t want to give credence to it by reacting," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2019 09:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).