Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that India does not face a threat from the outside but from within; and emphasised the importance of unity and countering divisive narratives to secure the nation’s 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 while speaking at a function at the National Conference (NC) headquarters here.
Dr Abdullah criticised divisive propaganda, particularly the narrative that Hindus are under threat. “There are 80 percent Hindus in this country, so where is the threat? This narrative is meant to create fear among the people. It is everyone’s duty to break this falsehood,” he said.
Reflecting on historical narratives, he recalled misinformation during his tenure as chief minister in 1996 regarding 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 added.
Commenting on the abrogation of Article 370, Dr Abdullah argued that the special provision was not solely for Kashmiris but was introduced by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 to protect Dogras from economic domination by wealthy 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 highlighted growing economic challenges post abrogation of article 370 and said “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.”
Abdullah also addressed accusations of being unpatriotic. “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.
Expressing gratitude to the people for their support, Abdullah said “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 urged party leaders to avoid division and remain open to the people, stressing the need for internal unity. “Put your house in order first. If your house is not in order, how can your country be?” he questioned.
Abdullah highlighted the need for a united effort towards nation-building, stating, “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.”
Touching upon gender equality, Abdullah expressed disappointment over delays in implementing reservations for women in Parliament. He asserted “men often hesitate to share power with women, hindering our nation’s progress. We must ensure equality for men and women to truly advance.”
Farooq Abdullah also called upon party workers to start preparing for the upcoming panchayat elections, emphasizing the need for unity to “rebuild” Jammu and Kashmir.
The development comes after the Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission on Monday concluded annual revision of panchayat electoral rolls and said more than 70 lakh voters, including over 34 lakh women, are eligible to vote in the upcoming panchayat elections.
“Prepare for elections. Whenever elections are held, be ready from today,” he told the party workers.
He urged NC workers to choose candidates who genuinely want to serve the people and emphasized the need for honesty and unity to “rebuild” Jammu and Kashmir. “Together, we can overcome these challenges and bring our region back on the path of progress,” he said.
Recalling the 2024 assembly elections, Abdullah said, “In previous elections, many believed it wouldn’t happen, but they were eventually announced, leaving many unprepared.”
Abdullah urged party workers to remain truthful with the public and avoid misleading promises. “Tell people what you can do and what you cannot. Do not mislead them with greener pastures; it will not work,” he said.
He also warned against disloyalty within the party, stating, “don’t project yourself as NC workers while voting for the lotus (BJP’s symbol). I have seen such behaviour before. Today, many are joining NC because we are in power, but we must prioritize those who have sacrificed for the party, over the opportunists.”
Calling for unity among leaders, he said, “Love and support those who have stood by the organization. First, put your house in order. If your house is not in order, how can the country be in order?”
Highlighting the challenges J&K is facing, Abdullah said various sectors including education, healthcare, power, and water supply are facing issues.
“God has placed a crown of thorns on our heads. It is our responsibility to fight these challenges and resolve the difficulties of the people. If we fail to address these issues, what is the purpose of governance?” he asked.
He criticized past governments, alleging corruption in infrastructure projects. “The Centre sent crores of rupees for water supply infrastructure, but much of it was embezzled. These issues need to be investigated.”
On power generation, he expressed frustration over local resources being used to benefit other states. “The electricity generated here is sent to Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, while we remain deprived. This shows their love for our state,” he remarked.
Abdullah also raised concerns about unemployment and the exodus of locals. “Most of the workers in power projects are from outside. Where will our people go?” he asked.
He criticized the alleged targeting of industrialists by investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate. “Industrialists are being hounded, forcing many to leave the country. Some have moved to Arab countries to continue their work. Until such harassment stops, we cannot make progress,” he said.
Abdullah also called for an inclusive nation. “A country cannot thrive if only one flower blooms while others wither. True Bharat is when everyone — regardless of language, religion, or region — is happy and prosperous,” he said.
“Those who want to make this country a one-colour nation will not succeed. I envision India of Nehru, Gandhi, and Abdullah — a progressive and inclusive nation,” he said.
Abdullah compared India’s industrial environment to that of the Arab world, emphasizing the need for supportive policies that encourage local businesses.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the people of J&K and called for collective efforts to address the UT’s challenges. “I may be 90 years old, but Allah has given me the strength to think about your welfare and fight for your rights,” he said.
