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Farooq Abdullah Decries Communal Violence in West Bengal as Consequence of Growing Hindu-Muslim Divide, Calls for National Unity Jammu, 20th April 2025: Farooq Abdullah, President of the National Conference, has condemned the recent violence in West Bengal, attributing it to the increasing Hindu-Muslim divide that is, in his view, corroding the very fabric of the nation. Speaking at a public meeting in Marh, near Jammu, Abdullah asserted that the intensifying communal discord was severely undermining the country’s unity and stability, and urged all citizens to come together to confront the forces of division. “The unrest in West Bengal is a direct manifestation of the growing communal divide that is taking root across the country,” Abdullah remarked. He pointed to the surge in anti-Muslim rhetoric and discriminatory actions, including the controversial demolition of properties linked to the Muslim community, which have fostered an environment of fear and marginalisation. Abdullah emphasised that the government had failed to substantiate the legality of such actions, which were subsequently challenged and rightly prohibited by the Supreme Court. In a subtle but pointed critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Abdullah stated, “The actions of this government have driven communities to the edge, creating a climate of apprehension and distrust. This must be brought to a halt.” He reiterated the principle that all citizens, irrespective of their religion, must be treated equally under the law, asserting that the Constitution guarantees no one the right to sow division or hatred. Abdullah further warned that the greatest threats facing the country today were not external, but internal. “The real peril does not stem from Pakistan or China, but from within our own borders—those who are sowing discord and hatred under the guise of religion,” he observed. He urged the people of India to unite in the face of this growing challenge, stressing that only through solidarity could the country safeguard its democratic principles and safeguard the future. On the contentious Waqf Amendment Act, which has recently provoked political debate, Abdullah offered a robust defence of the judiciary, describing it as the bedrock of Indian democracy. “The judiciary is the cornerstone of our democracy,” he stated, urging those critical of the Supreme Court’s decisions to respect its authority. “Should there be any objections to a law, it is the role of the judiciary to pass judgment, as it did with the Waqf issue, which is still sub judice,” he added. Abdullah also turned his attention to the ongoing issues plaguing the region of Jammu, particularly water shortages and electricity crises. Despite the region being rich in water resources, he lamented that electricity generated from these resources was being sold to other states, such as Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, leaving local residents deprived of their rightful share. “This is our water, and we have the primary claim on it,” he asserted. The National Conference leader also criticised the decision of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to halt the historic Darbar Move, a long-established practice that saw the government function alternately between Jammu and Srinagar. Abdullah pledged that, should his party return to power, the Darbar Move would be reinstated, describing it as a symbol of unity that binds the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Hindus of Jammu and the Muslims of Kashmir. Abdullah's comments were made during a public gathering where he also welcomed retired senior superintendent of police Mohan Lal Kaith into the National Conference fold. Kaith, who had contested the previous Assembly elections as an independent candidate, announced his decision to join the National Conference after consulting with his supporters, vowing to fortify the party’s grassroots presence. |
