Srinagar, July 14 : Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Monday said that his party is not against Urdu, but opposes any move to remove Hindi or English from the revenue records in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters, Sharma said, “The revenue record is already available in Urdu, Hindi, and English. There is no need to remove any language. We spoke to the government on this, but they didn’t respond. If they don’t restore it, we will fight a long battle.”
Sharma said that his party will continue to raise the issue until all languages are respected equally. “Urdu is our language. Who said we are against it? But Hindi is also ours. So is English. We want all three to stay,” he said.
He challenged those questioning his stand to hold a debate.“They may not even know Urdu. Come and debate in Urdu. we are ready. I’ve studied Urdu myself,” he added.
The LoP accused the government of making decisions that affect the youth and traders in Jammu unfairly. “The government wants to use the rights of Jammu youth as bargaining chips. If you make Urdu compulsory in exams, will that help get jobs in the Home Department? If you don’t give compensation to shopkeepers, how will they survive?” he asked.
Calling the move “immature” and “unfortunate,” Sharma urged the administration to act wisely and ensure fairness to all communities and regions of the Union Territory.(KNS)
