Jantar Mantar protest shattered divisive narratives, parties: Dr. Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, 29 Jul: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Wednesday said the historic Jantar Mantar protest marked a defining moment in J&K’s democratic journey, decisively exposing the bankruptcy of divisive politics and reaffirming that the people’s collective voice cannot be silenced by manufactured polarisation or political misadventures.

Addressing the 49th Parents’ Day function organised by the Rural Development Society at Tagore Hall, Dr. Farooq said the overwhelming participation of people cutting across regions, religions and generations at Jantar Mantar sent an unmistakable message that Jammu and Kashmir’s pluralistic ethos is far stronger than attempts to fragment society along communal lines.

“The protest demonstrated that the politics of division has limits, but the politics of unity has limitless strength. It reflected the people’s unwavering resolve to democratically pursue their legitimate aspirations through solidarity, not sectarianism,” he said.

The event was organised by the Society’s founder and senior National Conference leader Haji Mubarak Gul.

Dr. Farooq said the identity and future of Jammu and Kashmir rest on safeguarding Kashmiriyat, its composite culture, linguistic diversity and centuries-old traditions of coexistence. He urged parents and teachers to ensure that children grow up rooted in their mother tongues, particularly Kashmiri, warning that societies which abandon their language and culture eventually surrender their identity.

Highlighting the sanctity of parents’ rights, he said Islam places extraordinary emphasis on serving and respecting one’s parents, describing their blessings as the greatest source of success in both worlds. He urged the younger generation to uphold this moral obligation with sincerity and devotion.

Expressing grave concern over the growing drug menace, Dr. Farooq described narcotics as one of the greatest threats confronting the Valley’s youth. He said the fight against addiction cannot be won by the government alone and called for a united societal response involving parents, teachers, religious scholars, civil society and community leaders. “Drugs do not merely destroy individuals; they dismantle families, weaken society and rob generations of their future,” he cautioned.

Recalling the works done during his tenure as J&K CM from 1996-2002, Dr. Farooq said one of his earliest decisions was to introduce Kashmiri language and moral education in schools to reconnect younger generations with their cultural and ethical foundations. He added that every religion teaches compassion, humanity and mutual respect, while Islam also enjoins respect for followers of all faiths and champions communal harmony.

Reiterating the significance of the Jantar Mantar protest, Dr. Farooq said the presence of youth from every faith and region stood as a powerful rebuke to those who seek political dividends through division. “The gathering proved that when people unite around justice and constitutional rights, propaganda collapses under the weight of public resolve,” he said.

Dr. Farooq also lauded the Rural Development Society and Haji Mubarak Gul for their sustained public service in promoting respect for parents, environmental stewardship, water conservation, plantation drives and anti-drug awareness, describing such initiatives as essential investments in building a resilient and socially conscious society.

The function concluded with the presentation of the Mader-e-Meharban Awards and other honours to distinguished personalities for their outstanding contributions in different fields. The programme was attended by office-bearers of the Rural Development Society from all three regions, members of civil society, religious scholars, intellectuals and prominent citizens.