Virbhadra Singh backs Prime Minister on stance on PoK

He though took a jibe at Modi on the issue of Dalit atrocities in the name of 'cow protection

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh endorsed the stance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and said the people of the region were living in pathetic conditions and lurking fear.

"Not only those in PoK, even the Baloch community is being persecuted and atrocities are being perpetrated on them. The neighbouring country (Pakistan) should not eye the Indian territory," he said after inaugurating a children's park and residential facilities for priests at Jakhu temple here.

The Congress leader though took a jibe at Modi on the issue of Dalit atrocities in the name of 'cow protection'.

Referring to assaults on Dalits engaged in removing the hides and skins of dead cattle at Una in Gujarat, he said the issue has agitated the community across the country and instead of making public statements, the Prime Minister should have spoken about it in Parliament.

"Removing the hides and skins of cows, buffaloes and other animals is the age-old profession of the community and we should be thankful to them and not assault them," Singh said.

He said the state government was sensitive towards cow protection and has constituted the 'Gauvansh Samvardhan Board' for this purpose, adding that it would open more shelters for stray cattle.

Defending the sweeping changes in the Town and Country Planning Act, Singh said the government had relaxed the norms for regularisation of unauthorised structures in accordance with suggestions from the people.