RSS chief Bhagwat calls for population control policy, expresses concern over Kashmir killings

New Delhi: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday called for a new population policy, talked about threat from Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, and killing of civilians in Jammu and Kashmir as he gave his annual address on Vijaya Dashmi.

The RSS Chief called for a population control policy, and said that a resolution was passed at the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal (All India Executive Committee) meeting of Sangh held at Ranchi in the year 2015.

"The rapid growth of the country’s population may give rise to many problems in the near future. Therefore, this challenge must be duly considered," Bhagwat said.

A written copy of his speech also gave the details of the resolution that was passed.

"Rate of growth of the Muslim population has been very high than national average in the border districts of border states of the country like Assam, West Bengal and Bihar, clearly indicating the unabated infiltration from Bangladesh... It is also a fact that the infiltrators are usurping the rights of citizens of these states and are becoming a heavy burden on the already scant resources apart from creating socio-cultural, political and economic tensions," the resolution said.

Talking of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, he said, "Their predisposition - passionate fanaticism, tyranny and terrorism in the name of Islam - is sufficient to make everyone apprehensive of the Taliban. But now China, Pakistan and Turkey have coalesced in an unholy coalition with the Taliban."

"While keeping the channels for dialogue open and without negating the possibility of a heart-change, we must be prepared for all possibilities. In this tragic hour, the need for emotional integration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of Bharat should be accelerated is also realised," he said.

He also condemned the killing of civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir have restarted the spate of the targeted killings of national minded citizens – especially Hindus – to destroy their morale and reestablish the reign of terror in the valley. The citizens are braving and shall brave the situation with courage but efforts for curbing and finishing off the terrorist activities needs speeding up," he said.

Bhagwat also launched an attack against crypto currencies like Bitcoin and OTT platforms.

"Certain newer global developments are fast gaining momentum and strengthening the actions of these selfish forces. Clandestine, uncontrolled currency like Bitcoin has the potential to destabilise the economy of all countries and pose serious challenges," he said.

"At present unregulated broadcasts of varied material on OTT platforms are open for everyone’s indiscriminate consumption... In absence of prudence and a regulatory framework, it will become difficult to predict in which way and to what extent will this emerging phenomenon of contact with fair and unfair means sweep our society," he said.

"However, to what extent anti-national forces wish to use these means is well-known. Therefore, the government must make efforts to regulate these affairs in no time," he added.

Talking about caste equality, he said the problem of age-old caste-based divisions is a hindrance in the existence of an egalitarian and non-discriminatory society.

"Friendly relations and exchanges among families can promote societal unity and equanimity. Sangh Swayamsevaks are working on building an atmosphere of equality along with fraternity by conducting socially harmonious activities," he said.

He also expressed concern over the state of Hindu temples, and said the operations of temples should not be done by "non-devotees/irreligious, unethical heretics despite the State being ‘secular’". (UNI)