India’s real strength lies in its diversity : Dr. Farooq at Kerala summit

Kerala : President J&K National Conference Dr. Farooq Abdullah, has said that Kerala’s approach of respecting all religions and every human being equally serves as a model for the entire nation. He observed that the democracy visible in the country today is not the democracy for which the people of India had struggled.
Addressing the Vision 2031 International Conference organized by the State Planning Board in Kerala and attended by the state’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, cabinet ministers, prominent leaders from various states and Members of Parliament Abdullah commended the atmosphere of religious harmony and effective governance in Kerala, highlighting the state’s developmental achievements under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He praised the government’s respect for all religions and individuals, positioning Kerala as a source of pride for both its residents and the nation. Abdullah noted the eradication of extreme poverty in the state as a significant accomplishment. He expressed concern over the current crisis in India, where he believes that truth-telling has become increasingly difficult. Abdullah criticized certain media outlets for allegedly spreading misinformation and shaping public opinion through false narratives. He emphasized the importance of India’s diversity, asserting that the nation’s strength lies in its unity within that diversity, and warned against the rise of fascist forces. Addressing economic issues, Abdullah raised alarms about the potential negative impact of the Indo–US trade agreement on Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector, particularly for apple, walnut, and almond growers. He criticized the lack of a clear policy from the central government regarding competition with imported goods. Abdullah expressed dissatisfaction with the centralization of power in Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for the restoration of statehood and a more balanced federal structure. He pointed out that many legislative decisions remain unresolved and called for greater transparency in governance. On security matters, he questioned the effectiveness of the abrogation of Article 370 in addressing terrorism, citing ongoing violence and past incidents as evidence that peace has not been fully achieved. Abdullah reiterated his call for unity and mutual understanding, urging citizens to support efforts to restore peace, dignity, and democratic trust in Jammu and Kashmir.