Srinagar, Jan 19 (JKNS): Reaffirming that Jammu and Kashmir had consciously opted to remain with India during the 1947 partition, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president and former chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Monday said, “Pakistan will never leave Jammu and Kashmir. If we had intended to go to Pakistan, we would have done so in 1947. We stayed in India, in Gandhi’s India. But is this Gandhi’s India today?”
Speaking to reporters during a two-day party convention as per news agency JKNS, he added, “We need to talk to the party hierarchy and address their shortcomings. That is why we have this two-day conference to listen to their problems and resolve them.”
On the restoration of statehood, Dr Farooq said, “Statehood will come on time.”
Criticising Pakistan’s continued interference in the region, he warned, “Pakistan will never mend its ways. Those building temples for Mahatma Gandhi’s murderer are betraying Gandhi’s ideals.”
On the ongoing protests by Kashmiri Pandits marking their migration day, he stated, “Who is stopping them? No one. Many Pandits live here comfortably in their villages; when others left, they did not. They can go back to their homes anytime.”
Regarding the absence of a formal rehabilitation policy for Pandits, he said, “Most families have grown up and settled outside. Their children are studying in schools, colleges, and universities. One day they might come as visitors, but I don’t think they will return permanently.”
Addressing rising communal tensions and recent remarks by singer A.R. Rahman on religious discrimination, Dr Farooq remarked, “The fire of hatred is being stoked to divide communities for political gain. Hindus and Muslims are being divided to win elections. This country belongs to everyone; our strength is unity in diversity.”
On alleged discrimination in Jammu, he questioned, “Look at the condition of the University of Vaishnodevi and the hospital where Muslim children were admitted. Who removed it from being a medical college? Why is hatred being spread in Jammu?”
Dr Farooq Abdullah reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir had chosen to remain with India in 1947 and emphasised the need to uphold unity and fairness in the region. (JKNS)
