Srinagar, 09 Jul: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Minority Cell (Kashmir Province) held a special meeting today at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha Complex, under the chairmanship of Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
The meeting was attended by the party’s Addl General Secretary and RS MP Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Provincial President Kashmir Advocate Showkat Mir, Provincial Vice President and MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, YNC Provincial President Mir Mushtaq, senior party functionaries and Minority Cell representatives from various districts. The meeting was organised by Minority Cell Convener Sardar Jagdish Singh Azad.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Farooq said that the National Conference was founded on the enduring principles of equality, justice, secularism, and communal harmony. He said the party’s Constitution and the historic Naya Kashmir manifesto place the protection of minority rights, equal opportunities, adequate representation, and the preservation of the religious, social, educational, and cultural identity of all communities at the centre of its vision.
Recalling the leadership of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Dr. Farooq said that the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh were brought into the mainstream of governance and development without discrimination. He added that the National Conference has faithfully carried forward this legacy and has never indulged in politics based on religion, caste, or community.
Dr. Farooq emphasised that Sher-e-Kashmir historic slogan of “Hindu, Muslim, Sikh Unity” remains the ideological cornerstone of the National Conference and continues to embody the true strength, character, and identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting the party’s governance record, Dr. Farooq said that successive National Conference governments introduced landmark reforms that guaranteed dignity, security, and equal rights for every section of society, particularly minorities. He said that transformative land reforms, expansion of educational opportunities, strengthening of democratic institutions, promotion of social justice, protection of religious freedom, equitable access to public institutions, and balanced regional development benefited all citizens irrespective of religion or region.
He reiterated that the National Conference has always regarded the protection of religious freedom, respect for places of worship, preservation of cultural heritage, and the welfare of minority communities as a fundamental responsibility.
Dr. Farooq said that the National Conference, and particularly the Muslims of Kashmir, have made unparalleled sacrifices during difficult and turbulent times to safeguard the lives and properties of minority communities while upholding the cherished traditions of brotherhood, tolerance, and humanity. He stressed that protecting the diverse languages, culture, and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir remains a collective responsibility and reaffirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting every language spoken across the region.
Representatives from various districts apprised him of the issues confronting their respective communities, developmental requirements, and other public concerns. Dr. Farooq assured them that all genuine demands would be vigorously taken up with the concerned authorities and that every possible effort would be made to ensure their timely resolution.
He also directed the party’s Addl General Secretary and Rajya Sabha Member, Advocate Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, to raise all important issues falling within the jurisdiction of the Central Government in the Rajya Sabha so that the legitimate concerns of minority communities receive effective representation at the national level.
Among others present were Provincial Secretary Syed Towqeer Ahmad, Srinagar District President Peer Afaq Ahmad, Amit Kaul, and other party office-bearers.
During the meeting, the Minority Cell also finalised its programme for the observance of July 11, the death anniversary of Madar-e-Meharban Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah.