Govt promoting wedge between regions, religions: Dr Farooq

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 13:  Blaming the present Government for “promoting wedge” between various regions and religions, National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah today appealed for unity and tolerance while “disapproving” acts which hurts religious sentiments of others.
Farooq also condemned the paint smearing attack on the activist and columnist Sudheendra Kulkarni in Mumbai during a book release function, and said that such attempts are against the spirit of freedom of speech for which India is known world over.
“Great religion of Islam vehemently disapproves of hurting the religious sentiments of others,” Abdullah said, while addressing party functionaries at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here this morning, and added that the provocative acts could jeopradise peace across the country and in the State.
Abdullah blamed the present dispensation for promoting a “wedge between various regions and religions”, as it has terribly lost credibility due to failure on all fronts.
In this context, he referred to manipulations being made to usurp Waqf and taking such measures which had potential of jeopardizing peace and tranquility.
He cautioned people against their machinations and tentacles to put the State of Jammu and Kashmir on boil, saying they won’t be allowed to exploit sentiments of various segments of society for remaining glued to power. “Hate mongers have no space in the civilized society,” he said.
The National Conference President expressed anguish over divisive forces getting space in the political landscape of the country, and said the attempts of weakening the unity and amity would only help enemies, who want to disintegrate the nation.
He lamented over attempts of creating wedge between various segments of society as part of vote politics, and said this will prove detrimental to the overall interests of the country.
Referring to recent unfortunate incidents across the State, Abdullah called for restraint, saying that caution needs to be observed while commenting over happenings as these could arouse the fire rather than dousing it.
He recalled the time-tested unity demonstrated by Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs during horrendous days of 1947, by challenging elements inimical to glorious ethos of the State by fake guns, and said there was never ever such a crucial need of emulating that great spirit as now.
“The sad happenings taking place across the State are furthering the agenda of those watching and encouraging every move aimed at weakening the state and the country,” he said, adding that National Conference will not hesitate in offering any sacrifice in preserving the amity and tranquillity.
He eulogised the people of Jammu for showing way by opening their arms to the people in distress from time to time. He recalled how the people gave shelter to those who left the Valley in early 90s as also by discouraging communal elements, who wanted to vitiate the atmosphere in 1989.
He envisioned safe and honourable return of Kashmiri Pandits when situation becomes conducive in the Valley.
Emphasising the need for friendly relations between India and Pakistan, Abdullah called for isolating the fringe anti-peace elements who had developed vested interest in hostilities between the two countries.
He said peace had to be given a chance and those working towards this end need not be discouraged.
Farooq condemned the paint smearing attack on ORF chairman Sudheendra Kulkarni, saying the tolerance that India has always shown has started deteriorating.
“It (the paint smearing attack on Kulkarni) is very unfortunate incident. I condemn it. I request all the people to condemn and not promote such incidents in future,” Abdullah said.
“I think the incident in Mumbai has posed a great worry to all of us as the tolerance that India has always shown has started deteriorating at the cost of the nation,” he said.
Yesterday, Shiv Sena activists smeared black paint on the face of chairman of think tank Observer Research Foundation, Kulkarni for organising former Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri’s book launch in Mumbai.
“We should hear the other side (Pakistan) also patiently and when the other side is wanting to talk of friendship between India and Pakistan and the book suggests the ways and means of doing that, I think it (attacking them) is very unfortunate,” Abdullah said.
“When he (former Pakistani Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri) goes back home, how will the people react there? He came with goodwill and he had been treated like this? It is very unfortunate,” he said.
The former Chief Minister also deplored the polarising atmosphere in the State and said, “Forces are trying to divide the State, which is being detrimental to the nation itself. We must fight at all cost who are trying to divide the people.”
“I have told my workers that we have to stand together and fight such elements,” he said.
Earlier,  Farooq visited the heritage Raghunath Bazar in the winter capital here and greeted people and Mata Vaishno Devi shrine-bound pilgrims on Navratra festival.
Abdullah wished the pilgrims a blissful yatra, especially during the ongoing auspicious days.
In his interaction with different groups of pilgrims, mostly youngsters, he urged them to spread the message of peace and tranquillity and pray for unity of the nation, which is known for its unity in diversity.
Abdullah, accompanied by Provincial President Devender Singh Rana, distributed sweets among the pilgrims and said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have inherited hospitality, which is why the people from all over the country were visiting the State time and again. “This spirit is needed to be further strengthened”, he said.
The National Conference President also interacted with the members of business community who greeted him on the festive occasion.
He hoped that they will continue to extend all the support to incoming pilgrims so that they return their homes with cherished memories.

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