India faces threat from within country, not outside: Farooq

NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah addressing convention of SC cell of the party in Jammu on Wednesday. -Excelsior/Rakesh
NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah addressing convention of SC cell of the party in Jammu on Wednesday. -Excelsior/Rakesh

‘Train to Kashmir will be delayed by 2 months’

Asks NC workers to prepare for Panchayat polls

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 22: Cautioning people against the designs of the divisive forces and maintaining unity for nation’s future, former Chief Minister and National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that India does not face a threat from the outside but from within the country.

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“India does not face a threat from outside but from within. People inside the country can destroy it, not those from outside. The country needs sacrifices even today. To make the nation strong, we must make ourselves, our brothers, and our sisters strong”, Farooq said while addressing one day convention of SC Cell of the party, organized by Vijay Lochan, its chairman here today.

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The National Conference chief criticised the divisive propaganda, particularly the narrative that Hindus are under threat. “There are 80 per cent Hindus in this country, so where is the threat? This narrative is meant to create fear among people. It is everyone’s duty to break this falsehood,” he asserted.
While referring to the historical narratives, Farooq recalled misinformation during his tenure as Chief Minister in 1996 regarding the settlement of people from Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir.
“It was falsely propagated that they would come and take over your lands. I repeatedly clarified that no one could settle here without the Union Home Ministry’s approval, yet no one listened,” he added.
Commenting on the abrogation of Article 370, Farooq stated that the special provision was not solely for Kashmiris but was introduced by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 to protect Dogras from economic domination by wealthy Punjabis. “You celebrated the abrogation, but now even domestic jobs are going to outsiders. Bureaucrats are being brought in from outside. Think about what you have gained,” he added.
Referring to the economic challenges post abrogation of Article 370, the former CM said, “Your lands are being taken, and jobs are no longer reserved for you. Outsiders hesitate to come to Kashmir, fearing its majority Muslim population. This is what we tried to warn you about.”
“I am a Muslim and I am an Indian Muslim. I am neither a Chinese, nor a Pakistani Muslim. But this propaganda persists. Even Hindu members of the National Conference were once branded as Pakistanis,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the people for their support, Abdullah said “We faced immense challenges but never bowed down. My father faced difficulties too, but we did not succumb. If we remain on the right path, act with honesty, and ensure justice for all, we can overcome any challenge.”
He urged party leaders to avoid division and remain open to the people, stressing the need for internal unity. “Put your house in order first. If your house is not in order, how can your country be?” he asked.
Farooq highlighted the need for a united effort towards nation-building, stating, “This country can only progress when all of us are happy and united. India is diverse, comprising various races and regions, and our strength lies in our unity amid diversity.”
Referring to the gender equality, Farooq expressed disappointment over delays in implementing reservations for women in Parliament. “Men often hesitate to share power with women, hindering our nation’s progress. We must ensure equality for men and women.”
Meanwhile, responding to a query on a train connecting the Kashmir valley very soon, Abdullah claimed, “as per my information, the train to Kashmir will be delayed by two months because some spots are yet not ready.”
“I was also waiting and ready to go to Srinagar by train on January 25 but the train I think will start only when the tourist season begins in April,” he added.
Responding to the PDP remark that the NC Government has changed the goal post from Article 370 to Statehood, Abdullah said the rival party needs to go for self-introspection before making any allegations against his party.
“Tell them (PDP), they are the ones who are responsible for the revocation of Article 370. We told Mufti Mohammad Sayeed (former Chief Minister and PDP founder) not to join hands with the BJP for Government formation. He went ahead, despite repeated requests by us, Congress and other parties,” he said.
Asked when the Statehood will be restored to Jammu and Kashmir, he quipped “When it is acceptable to the Almighty.”
On return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits who completed 35 years in exile on January 19, Abdullah said the BJP ruled J&K over the past 10 years and the question should have been posed to them how many migrant families they have rehabilitated during this period.
He said the BJP has also promised 50,000 jobs to the unemployed youth but nobody will ask them how many jobs they provided in the past 10 years but will ask the National Conference which only came to power three months ago and has five years to fulfil all its promises including providing jobs to the youth.
Farooq called upon party workers to start preparing for the upcoming Panchayat elections, emphasizing the need for unity to “rebuild” Jammu and Kashmir.
He urged NC workers to choose candidates who genuinely want to serve the people and emphasized the need for honesty and unity to “rebuild” Jammu and Kashmir. “Together, we can overcome these challenges and bring our region back on the path of progress,” he said.
On power generation, he expressed frustration over local resources being used to benefit other States. “The electricity generated here is sent to Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, while we remain deprived. This shows their love for J&K,” he remarked.
Farooq also raised concerns about unemployment and the exodus of locals. “Most of the workers in power projects are from outside. Where will our people go?” he asked.
He criticized the alleged targeting of industrialists by investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate. “Industrialists are being hounded, forcing many to leave the country. Some have moved to Arab countries to continue their work. Until such harassment stops, we cannot make progress,” he said.
NC leader compared India’s industrial environment to that of the Arab world, emphasizing the need for supportive policies that encourage local businesses.
Senior leaders of the party Rattan Lal Gupta, Ajay Sadhotra, Vijay Lochan- Chairman SC Cell, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed and others also spoke on the occasion.