Jammu:
In a poignant address at the National Conference headquarters in Jammu on Wednesday, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, underscored the critical need for internal unity and the dangers of divisive narratives threatening India’s stability. Emphasizing that the country’s real threats emanate from within, Dr. Abdullah urged citizens to focus on strengthening their collective resolve rather than succumbing to external fears.
Dr. Abdullah stressed that India’s future hinges on its ability to overcome internal divisions. “The country still demands sacrifices from us to ensure its progress. The real danger to India is not from outside forces but from within. It is the people inside who can harm the nation, not those from outside,” he said. He emphasized the importance of unity and collective strength, noting, “To make the nation strong, we must make ourselves, our brothers, and our sisters strong.”
Critiquing the divisive propaganda that Hindus are under threat, Dr. Abdullah pointed out the absurdity of such claims given the demographic makeup of the country. “With 80% of the population being Hindu, where is the threat? This narrative is designed to instill fear among people. It is our duty to expose this falsehood,” he asserted.
Reflecting on historical contexts, Dr. Abdullah recalled the misinformation spread during his tenure as chief minister in 1996 regarding the settlement of people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “It was falsely propagated that they would come and take over your lands. Despite my clarifications that no one could settle here without the Union Home Ministry’s approval, the misinformation persisted,” he said.
Dr. Abdullah also addressed the impact of the abrogation of Article 370, arguing that this special provision was not only for Kashmiris but also intended to protect the Dogra community from economic domination by wealthy Punjabis since its introduction by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927. “You celebrated the abrogation, but now domestic jobs are going to outsiders. Think about what you have gained,” he remarked, highlighting the economic challenges faced post-abrogation.
Abdullah addressed accusations of being unpatriotic, stating, “I am a Muslim and an Indian Muslim. I am neither a Chinese nor a Pakistani Muslim. Yet, this propaganda persists. Even Hindu members of the National Conference were once branded as Pakistanis.” He expressed gratitude to the people for their support and urged party leaders to maintain internal unity and openness. “Put your house in order first. If your house is not in order, how can your country be?” he questioned.
Dr. Abdullah emphasized the need for a united effort in nation-building, stating, “This country can only progress when all of us are happy and united. India is diverse, comprising various races and regions, and our strength lies in our unity amid diversity.” He also touched upon the issue of gender equality, expressing disappointment over delays in implementing reservations for women in Parliament. “Men often hesitate to share power with women, hindering our nation’s progress. We must ensure equality for men and women to truly advance,” he said.
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