POONCH, Jan 21: Expressing great concern over printing of Ration cards in English and Hindi, Tehreek Baqaie Urdu (TBU) has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah through Deputy Commissioner Poonch demanding re-printing of these cards in Urdu language which was past practice of the government.
In a statement issued by Spokesman & General Secretary TBU, Zakir malik Bhallesi has said that a deputation of TBU members led by Central President Irfan Ali Arif and District President Mohammad Asad Noomani along with National Executive Member Ishrat Batt and others met Deputy Commissioner Poonch and submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah showing strong concern on the issue of change of language on the ration cards. ‘
The deputation termed it a conspiracy to dilute Urdu as official language of the state and have appealed Chief Minister to inquire that who has done this blunder. They said that previously these cards were published in Urdu but now these are printed in English and Hindi and these are printed in collaboration of J&K bank by the CAPD Department. They have also appealed Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department to see the matter and stop more printing and re-print these cards in Urdu which was previous practice of the state government.
Zakir Malik Bhallesi said that it is matter of concern that CAPD department rejected official language Urdu and print their Ration cards in Urdu. He said that this must be enquired and people involved in such practice must be punished. “Urdu is official language having a status in constitution of J&K and those who are making conspiracy against this language in government machinery should be taken to task”, Malik said adding that TBU has raised this issue earlier with CM grievance Cell and even after assurances no action was taken which forced the organised to come on streets.
Spokesman appreciated the role District Unit of Poonch for strongly raising the issue and holding protests for the last 6 days in Poonch regarding the same.