Updated on Thursday, July 02, 2009, 23:50 IST

Jammu, July 02: Pradesh BJP on Thursday demanded that the benefits of the welfare schemes started by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs under the Prime Minister's new 15-point programme be extended to Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir arguing that they are a minority in the state.

"The state government has not extended the benefits under PM's programme to Hindu minorities in the state", Pradesh BJP spokesperson Ramesh Arora told reporters here.

Asserting that the term Hindu as per the Constitution of India and the state includes Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, he said, there should be no discrimination against anyone and the benefits of the programme be extended to these minorities in J&K.

Accusing the ruling National Conference and Congress combine in the state of giving step motherly treatment to Hindu minorities, the BJP spokesperson said his party will table a bill in the forthcoming session of State Assembly seeking to redress the problems of minority community of the state.

Bureau Report