JAMMU: Congress lodged a strong protest over the closing down of the Gandhian Centre for peace and conflict studies in Jammu University by starving it of funds by the Centre Government and termed it a conspiracy to weaken the philosophy of Father of Nation.
Reacting sharply to these reports, JKPCC Chief Spokesperson Advocate Ravinder Sharma said that this centre named after Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi was functioning for the last over 13 years and is being starved to death by blocking funds by the Centre Government, which speaks of the anti-Gandhian philosophy mindset of the BJP Government. The Centre which was functioning in the Political Science Department of Jammu University has been also visited by Tushar Gandhi, Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi besides several eminent persons during all these years. “The Centre is not only meant to undertake research on Gandhi’s philosophy and his idea of India but also to espouse to do research on the contemporary trends and situation of conflict and variants of peace model for democratic and progressive world,” he added.
Sharma said that this is the series of attempts and conspiracy to eliminate the philosophy of Gandhi and his idea of India, which is not only insult to father of nation but also against the interests of the nation, as it would weaken the basic idea of India, around which, is woven the social and secular fabric of this nation.
Questioning the BJP Government at Centre, Sharma also questioned the silence of the State Government especially the pro-Chancellor Mehbooba Mufti who too has greater responsibility towards strengthening such activities in the state. He has sought immediate release of funds to continue the Centre, otherwise the party would lodge strong protest.