JAMMU: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah today said terror has no religion and ensured empowerment of minorities in Jammu and Kashmir by his party.
“Terror has no religion and all have to unite and fight it decisively,” he told a congregation, organised by Kashmiri Sikh Sanghat at Jammu Club.
The state has all along fought elements inimical to peace and harmony unitedly and maintained togetherness despite provocation, he said, adding he hoped this flame of secularism to remain aloft always and envisioned a day when the minorities– Sikhs and Pandits– in Kashmir live in peace and harmony with their Muslim brethren.
The Valley is craving for good old days to return and the garden of tranquility to bloom with colourful flowers, Abdullah said.
Referring to the empowerment of minorities, he said National Conference has always worked towards welfare and rightful place in the society.
He exuded confidence that the Sikh youth, alongside youngsters of the other communities, will make their mark in the field of education, especially in a state like Jammu and Kashmir.
He also referred to the representation given to Sikhs by his party in the government and the state legislature, and ensured that Sikhs are represented adequately.
Remembering the 2000 Chittisinghpura massacre that took lives of 35 Sikhs, Abdullah said the perpetrators are needed to be identified and brought to justice.
He said the attack on Sikhs had came at a time when the then US President Bill Clinton was on Indian tour.
“I told him (the US President) to prevail upon Pakistan for ending the terror being spread from that soil,” the former Chief Minister said, adding that he was terribly shocked to see the horrendous site when bodies of innocent people were cremated that fateful day.
He regretted the insensitivity in tackling terrorism and referred to release of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar during the BJP-led government despite his strong opposition.
“Now the same people seek United Nations help in nabbing Azhar who has become a terror monster and a serious threat to civilised world,” he added.
Highlighting “venomous propaganda” unleashed through
social media as one of the contributory factors to terrorism, Abdullah advised youth to guard against it and carve out a harmonious society in which everyone, irrespective of caste, creed and colour lives in peace and harmony.
He also mentioned Kashmiri Hindu Shrine Bill and said that despite being piloted by the National Conference government, some political forces opposed and sabotaged it.
“These political parties are now trying to be the Messiahs of Kashmiri Hindus”, he said, adding that the Bill was of immense importance in protecting the shrines and temples.
He urged the people to work for bridging the gap between various communities, saying this is imperative for the unique character of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh which are known for their composite ethos. (agencies)
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