Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 27: Reacting sharply to recent remarks by National Conference (NC) president, Dr. Farooq Abdullah regarding the alleged “erosion of trust” between Kashmir and the rest of India, senior BJP leader and former MLC, Girdhari Lal Raina stated that trust is built through consistent and sincere action—not demanded through emotional theatrics or veiled threats.
Raina pointed out the conspicuous absence of Dr. Abdullah, his party, and other Kashmir-centric political formations from Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations—an event where the nation comes together to honour the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who repelled Pakistani aggression. “While the rest of the country stood united in remembering the martyrs, the silence from these leaders on such a solemn national occasion speaks volumes,” Raina noted.
He criticised the double-speak and selective engagement of the NC leadership. “On one hand, Dr. Abdullah tells the nation in a televised interview that the trust between Kashmir and the rest of India has ‘completely snapped’; on another day, he rhetorically asks when Kashmiris will be ‘treated like Indians’. This oscillation between grievance and grandstanding lacks credibility,” Raina asserted.
Responding to frequent references by NC leaders to “regional and cultural identity,” Raina said, India has always celebrated its rich regional diversity, but within the larger framework of national unity. “Regional identities—be it Marathi, Tamil, Gujarati or Kashmiri—are respected and protected. But none use regional sentiment to question national integrity or play political games at the cost of national interest,” he added.
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