Residents of Shimla pledge to maintain communal harmony

People associated with progressive and democratic organisations in Shimla, under the banner of the Himachal for Peace and Harmony Forum, yesterday pledged to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state, as well as to protect the Constitution and secularism. The pledge was administered during a seminar organised by the forum in Shimla.

The forum has appealed the residents of Shimla as well as all the people of the state to strengthen peace, brotherhood and communal harmony.

During the seminar, some members said the state had always been known for its strong social standards in education, healthcare and employment, and it has set an example of national unity, communal harmony and peace.

“The people of the state have consistently defended constitutional and democratic values. Secularism is enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution, guaranteeing equality for all religions, and that the Constitution does not discriminate on the basis of religion, caste, region, or race,” said a member.

“However, the recent communal violence has tarnished the image of the state, both within the country and abroad. Sponsored communal tensions from certain groups have posed a significant threat to one of the state’s major economic resources especially the tourism industry. These incidents have created divisions within the state’s unity and weakened peace and order, affecting the state’s reputation,” he added.

The speakers urged the people of the state to come forward to safeguard human values and restore brotherhood in the state.