We stand here today because of soldiers’ sacrifices: Farooq 

Avtar Bhat
SAMBA, Jan 28: Former Chief Minister and president, National Conference NC), Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that it was due to the supreme sacrifices of the valiant soldiers and police personnel that we are here today.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a religious function organised by Sant Shri Balyogeshwar Dass Ji, he said “It is because of their supreme sacrifice that we feel secure and safe today’’.
Dr Abdullah said that Jammu has always stood the test of time and some forces tried hard to disturb the peace and amity in the J&K but the people defeated their designs’’.
While referring to holding of Maha Vishnu Yagya by Sant Shri Balyogeshwar Dass Ji for the peace of martyrs, he said this is a noble cause and the people across the barriers of religions and regions are participating in it.
“This shows the unity in diversity of our culture and age old civilisation’’, Dr Farooq said, adding that Government whatever can do for the welfare of the martyrs families will do but the Sant Ji is trying to lessen their pain and thereby working for a great noble cause.
He said “We have to stand by those who laid down their lives for the nation and appealed Sant Ji to hold such functions in Kashmir and Ladakh as well after weather improves in these two regions. The people also laid down their lives in these two regions for nation, he added.
Dr Abdullah said these martyrs will not come back now but holding such functions for the peace of their soul and welfare of their families is really inspiring.
He said after he heard that Sant Ji is holding such a programme at Samba he was moved and decided to visit this place to pay tribute to him for this noble cause.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah who visited the venue of Maha Vishnu Yagya organised in the memory of martyrs met Sant Shri Bal Yogeshwar Das Ji.
On the occasion, Farooq called for united efforts for strengthening the communal harmony and brotherhood. “Jammu people are pluralistic by nature. The cultural life of Jammu has been shaped by great sages and saints, who enriched it with the teachings of universal brotherhood by teaching and preaching the philosophy that considers world as a family.
He said “The agenda of communal forces remains at work to divide us. However, but what such forces fail to recognise is that the spirit of our unity is deep-rooted and widespread. It is very reassuring to see how both Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs participate in each other’s festivals and shoulder each other’s worries”.
Dr Abdullah said “Our country’s, for that matter J&K’s true potential lays in our unity. The everyday life of our people across Jammu espouses examples that brings alive the idea of India and restores our faith in humanity” .
“More so the people in Jammu have fraternal ties with the people of Kashmir and Ladakh as well. It is really unfortunate to see how the enemies of humanity have over the years done everything to create hatred among people of Jammu region and Kashmir valley towards each other on communal lines. I’m sure that my brothers and sisters will not let such forces succeed in their nefarious designs. I congratulate the organizers and management , particularly Shri Yogeshwar Das Ji Maharaj for their efforts. I’m sure that the devotees will benefit from the Yagya. I pass on my good wishes to the entire management for their future endeavours, “he said.
He was accompanied by Rattan Lal Gupta, provincial president, JKNC Jammu region, Ajaz Jan provincial president, JKYNC, Israr Khan, Abdul Gani Teli, Vijay Lochan, Mohinder Singh, Sudagar  Chand Gupta, Chander Uday Singh, Rakesh Singh Raka, Rahul Mahajan and Rajeshwer Singh.