Says “J&K Chose India In 1947 Despite Muslim Majority, Urges Youth To Study History”
Baramulla | October, 24: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah affirmed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have never denied being Indians and consciously chose India in 1947 despite being a Muslim-majority region.
Addressing a party workers’ convention in North Kashmir, Dr Farooq said “We never said we are not Indians. We have always reiterated that we joined Gandhi’s India, Nehru’s India.” He highlighted that “Jammu and Kashmir had chosen India at the time of Independence in 1947 despite being a Muslim-majority region.”
Underlining the fundamental aspirations of the people, Dr Farooq stated that the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir want to live with dignity and enjoy their constitutional rights. Reports said he stressed that the region’s constitutional status and political future need to be secured through collective efforts, adding, “We are not enemies of the country, but want to develop alongside the nation.” He urged political leaders and helmsmen at the helm to alter their approach and directly address the genuine concerns of the people.
Pointing toward unfulfilled promises regarding statehood, Dr Farooq recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured the public that statehood would be restored following delimitation and the Assembly elections. Expressing regret over the delay, he remarked, “We are going through tough times and are walking on the double edged sword.” He also lamented that internal political divisions in Kashmir have severely weakened collective efforts, making an earnest appeal for unity across party affiliations, religions, and sectarian differences.
Dr Farooq blamed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the events leading up to the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A. Reports said he noted, “The PDP joined hands with the BJP to form a government and the move changed the entire scenario in J&K,” urging people to remember the PDP’s role in the developments preceding the 2019 constitutional changes. Describing the removal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status as “unconstitutional,” he declared that the National Conference would continue its political struggle for full restoration, stating, “We have to hold a single rope.”
Expressing deep concern over the lack of historical awareness among the younger generation, Dr Farooq observed that many young people remain preoccupied with mobile phones and entertainment without understanding the region’s past. Revisiting the pivotal events of 1947, he urged the youth to thoroughly study the historical circumstances surrounding J&K’s accession and the historic fighting in Baramulla so they can fully appreciate the importance of their political rights.
