Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Farooq Abdullah during a meeting at the party office, Jammu, on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday (January 22, 2025) said that India is not facing a threat from outside but from within. He stressed the importance of unity and fighting issues that cause division in order to secure the future of the nation.
“The country wants to sacrifice itself even today to save itself. India is not facing a threat from outside but from within. People inside the country can destroy it, not outsiders. For the nation to be strong, we must make ourselves strong brothers and sisters,” said Dr. Abdullah while speaking at an event at the National Conference headquarters.
Dr. Abdullah criticized the divisive propaganda, especially the story that Hindus are in danger. “There are 80% Hindus in this country, so where is the threat? This narrative is meant to create fear among people. It is everyone’s duty to break this lie,” he said.
Reflecting on historical issues, he recalled the false information when he was the Chief Minister in 1996 regarding the settlement of people from occupied Kashmir (PoK) in Pakistan.
“It was falsely spread that they will come and take your fields. I made it clear many times that no one can live here without the permission of the Ministry of Home Affairs, but no one listened,” he added.
Commenting on the abrogation of Article 370, Dr Abdullah said that the special provision was not only for Kashmiris but was introduced by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 to protect the Dogras from economic domination by the rich Punjabis.
“You celebrated the demolition of houses, but now the housework has been transferred to foreigners.
He pointed out the growing economic challenges after the repeal of article 370 and said “Your lands are being taken, and jobs are no longer reserved for you. Foreigners hesitate to come to Kashmir, fearing the Muslim majority. This is what we tried to warn you about.”
“I am a Muslim, and I am an Indian Muslim. I am neither Chinese nor Pakistani Muslim. But this propaganda continues. Even the Hindu members of the National Congress were once called Pakistanis,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the people for their support, Mr. Abdullah said, “We faced big challenges but we did not bow down. My father also faced difficulties, but we did not give up. If we stay on the right path, act honestly, and ensure justice for all, we can overcome any challenge.”
He urged party leaders to avoid division and remain open to the people, stressing the need for internal unity. “Get your house down first. If your house is not in order, how can your country be in order?” he asked.
Mr. Abdullah emphasized the need for a united effort to build a nation, saying, “This country can only progress if we are all happy and united. India is diverse, it includes different races and regions, and our strength lies in our unity. diversity.”
Regarding gender equality, Mr. Abdullah expressed disappointment over the delay in the implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament. He asserted that “Men often hesitate to share power with women, which hinders the progress of our nation. We must ensure the equality of men and women so that they can develop truly.”
Published – January 22, 2025 04:06 pm IST