Farooq decries communalization of politics ahead of 2019 LS elections

Jammu: National Conference President and former Union Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday expressed grave concern over communalization of politics ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections and cautioned the BJP to desist from dividing the nation on religious lines.
“Polarised India is detrimental to growth, progress, unity and peace”, Dr Farooq Abdullah said, apprehending the BJP to raise religious pitch, as it has failed in delivering promises of development, jobs to youth and respite to farmers, among other sectors like education and health during over past four years.
He decried the misuse of religion for political and electoral gains and said that politics of hate has emerged as a huge threat to the country.
Dr Farooq Abdullah was speaking at a function held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here this morning, held to welcome former Vice Chancellor of Jammu University Prof R. R Sharma, former Director Information, Mr Narinder Singh and former Additional Commissioner and retired IAS officer Mr Mohammed Saleem in National Conference.
He said division of people on religious lines is a biggest challenge to the country that has to be countered by effectively promoting the spirit of inconclusiveness. He reminded those sowing seeds of mistrust and hate for their political survival that the Indian tricolor was conceived by a Muslim. With such a contribution of Indian Muslims, he asked how the self-proclaimed hyper-nationalists could raise fingers on anybody’s patriotism.
He expressed concern over the sentiment of hate and intolerance spreading tentacles to Jammu and Kashmir and referred to shocking solidarity being shown to a rapist, shamelessly under the shadow of national flag. He wondered how an alleged killer could be provided a shield of religion, saying a dangerous trend is being set, which is a bad omen for the unity of the State. He also expressed surprise over the decision of a ruling party Member Parliament in having separate cremation grounds for different castes.
The National Conference President gave a clarion call to peace-loving people of Jammu to isolate the polarizing forces and invoked the spirit of early 90s when Jammuities opened up their arms and welcomed displaced people from the Valley, irrespective of their religion, who left their homes and hearths for safety. “This is imperative for unity of the State, as anything against Jammu’s pluralistic ethos may have adverse impact in the Valley”, he said, adding that the spirit of harmony in the Jammu region will have a positive effect on thinking process of youth in Kashmir.
Elaborating on attempts of wedge being generated by divisive forces in the State with an eye on ensuing elections, Dr Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir has to flourish and progress as a single entity. “National Conference alone can save the State from trifurcation and retain its unique feature of being jewel in the crown of India”, he said.
National Conference President exhorted the cadre to assert their designated role in strengthening the bonds of harmony, amity and brotherhood, bequeathed by towering leaders like Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, who rejected myopic political philosophy during the most difficult phase of the history.
Introducing and welcoming the new entrants into the National Conference fold, Provincial President Mr Devender Singh Rana said Prof R R Sharma, Mr Narinder Singh and Mr Mohammed Salim have had a successful innings in their respective fields and hoped their joining will further strengthen the party at grass roots level.
He described the joining of three stalwarts into National Conference as a natural choice for public spirited persons, as the party duly reflects the glorious ethos of the state.”Joining of a Hindu, a Muslim and a Sikh is in true consonance with the philosophy of National Conference’s cherished agenda of brotherhood”, he maintained.
Reposing his faith in the policies and programmes of National Conference, Mr Narinder Singh recalled the role played by its towering leaders in development of the State and promoting brotherhood between various segments of society.