Srinagar: On the occasion of Human Rights Day, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has called upon all political parties, public institutions and civil society groups across the nation to renew their commitment to safeguarding the secular and democratic ethos that forms the bedrock of the Indian Republic.
Dr. Farooq emphasised that Human Rights Day is not merely a symbolic observance but a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold the dignity, equality, and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of religion, region, language, or ethnicity. He stated that in a diverse country like India, the protection of human rights is inseparable from the protection of secularism.
“The secular visage of our country is not an abstract ideal; it is the very fabric that binds us together as one nation,” he said, adding, “At a time when divisive narratives threaten to erode our shared values, every political party must rise above partisan interests and defend the principles of justice, harmony, and mutual respect.”
He urged political leaders to refrain from rhetoric or actions that may foster polarisation and instead champion policies that strengthen inclusivity and empower marginalised communities. “Human rights cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. They thrive only when every individual feels safe, valued, and equal before the law,” he added.
He reiterated that the preservation of secularism is not the duty of one group alone, but a collective national responsibility. He called for renewed dialogue, empathy, and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure that India remains a beacon of pluralism and democratic ideals.