India Faces Threat From Within, Not Outside: Farooq Abdullah
Jammu, Jan 22: In a powerful statement addressing the nation’s current challenges, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, expressed concern that India’s greatest threat lies not from external forces but from internal discord. Speaking at a function at the National Conference headquarters, Dr. Abdullah emphasized the importance of unity and countering divisive narratives to safeguard the nation’s integrity and future.
“The country demands sacrifice even today to save itself. India does not face a threat from outside but from within. People inside the country can destroy it, not those from outside. To make the nation strong, we must make ourselves, our brothers, and our sisters strong,” Dr. Abdullah said, urging citizens to rise above divisive ideologies and work towards collective strength.
He took a firm stance against divisive propaganda, particularly addressing the recurring narrative that Hindus in India are under threat. “There are 80 percent 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 stated, urging the public to critically examine such claims and their impact on social cohesion.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister in 1996, Dr. Abdullah recalled the spread of misinformation concerning the settlement of people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “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 recounted, highlighting the enduring danger of unchecked rumors in destabilizing communities.
Turning his attention to the abrogation of Article 370, Dr. Abdullah provided historical context, stating that the provision was introduced by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 to protect the economic interests of Dogras against the dominance of wealthier Punjabis. “You celebrated the abrogation, but now even domestic jobs are going to outsiders. Servants are being brought in from outside. Think about what you have gained,” he remarked.
He pointed to the growing economic challenges in Jammu and Kashmir following the decision, asserting, “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.”
Dr. Abdullah also addressed accusations of his patriotism, responding to propaganda that questioned his allegiance to India. “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, underscoring the damaging impact of such baseless accusations on national unity.
He expressed gratitude to the people for their enduring support, recalling the struggles faced by his family and the party over the decades. “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 stated with conviction.
Dr. Abdullah called on party leaders and members to avoid internal divisions and maintain openness with the public. “Put your house in order first. If your house is not in order, how can your country be?” he questioned, emphasizing the critical importance of internal unity within political organizations as a foundation for national progress.
In a broader appeal, he stressed the need for a collective, inclusive effort toward nation-building. “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,” he stated, calling for the protection and celebration of the nation’s pluralistic identity.
Addressing the issue of gender equality, Dr. Abdullah expressed disappointment over delays in implementing women’s reservations in Parliament. “Men often hesitate to share power with women, hindering our nation’s progress. We must ensure equality for men and women to truly advance,” he asserted, advocating for systemic changes to empower women and ensure their equal participation in governance.
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