Farooq Abdullah Flags Rising Religious Polarisation in Jammu

Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference expressed concerns over growing religious polarisation in India, accusing political entities of exploiting hate for electoral gain. He highlighted Jammu and Kashmir's historical choice for India over Pakistan and warned against efforts to divide communities. Abdullah critiqued recent protests in Jammu and reaffirmed confidence in the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.

Farooq Abdullah, president of the National Conference, voiced serious concerns about the escalating religious polarisation in India, attributing it to hate politics leveraged for electoral gains. Speaking to reporters in Jammu, he challenged those responsible for spreading divisive narratives, implying a critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The former chief minister reflected on Jammu and Kashmir's longstanding loyalty to India since 1947, despite Pakistan's persistent disruptive efforts. He underscored a worrying trend of communal divisions, citing instances like the protests against Muslim students at Vaishno Devi Medical College.

Amidst these tensions, Abdullah remains hopeful for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. He organized a party conference to strategize on strengthening the National Conference and addressing organizational shortcomings while remaining confident in overcoming these divisive challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)