National Conference President and former Union Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Monday called for collective fight against the scourge of terror, saying this is a biggest threat confronted to the world.“Terror has no religion and all have to unite and fight it decisively”, Dr Abdullah said while addressing a congregation, organised by Kashmiri Sikh Sanghat at Jammu Club here this evening.While describing venomous propaganda being unleashed through social media as one of the contributory factors to terrorism, Dr Abdullah urged youth to guard against this and help in carving out a harmonious society in which everyone, irrespective of caste, creed and colour lives in peace and harmony.Dr Abdullah referred to the devastation and destruction caused by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and recalled the Chittsinghpora carnage that took several precious lives. He said the perpetrators of that mayhem are needed to be identified and brought to justice. He said the attack on Sikhs had came at a time when the then US President Mr Bill Clinton was on Indian tour. “I told him (the US President) to prevail upon Pakistan for ending the terror being spread from that soil”, the former Chief Minister said, adding that he was terribly shocked to see the horrendous site when bodies of innocent people were being cremated that fateful day.
The former Chief Minister regretted over insensitivity in tackling terrorism and referred to release of Azhar Masood during the BJP led government despite his strong opposition. “Now the same people seek United Nations help in nabbing Azhar who has become a terror monster and a serious threat to civilised world”, he added.National Conference President said that Jammu and Kashmir has all along fought elements inimical to peace and harmony unitedly and maintained togetherness despite provocation. He hoped this flame of secularism to remain aloft all the times and envisioned a day when the minorities, Sikhs and Pandits, live in Kashmir live in peace and harmony with their Muslim brethren. He said Kashmir is craving for good old days to return and the garden of tranquillity to bloom with colourful flowers.Referring to the empowerment of minorities, Dr Abdullah said that National Conference has always worked towards welfare and rightful place in the society. He recalled the hiccups caused by several elements at the Centre in granting permission to Mahant Bachater Singh College of Engineering in Jammu and said he vigorously pursued with the then Minister of Human Resources Development Mr Murli Manohar Joshi and got the college approved.
He hoped the vision of the Sanghat in having a Medical College will fructify so that youth can benefit and excel in professional education. He exuded confidence that the Sikh youth, along side youngsters of the other communities, will make their mark in the field of education, especially in a state like Jammu and Kashmir.The National Conference President also referred to the representation given to Sikhs by his party in the government and the state legislature. “We ensured that Sikhs are represented adequately”, he added.Dr Abdullah also made a mention of Kashmiri Hindu Shrine Bill and said that despite being piloted by the National Conference Government, some political forces opposed and sabotaged it. “These political parties are now trying to be the Messiahs of Kashmiri Hindus”, he said adding that the Bill was of immense importance in protecting the shrines and temples. He urged the people to work for bridging the gap between various communities, saying this is imperative for the unique character of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh which are known for their composite ethos.President of the Sanghat Sewa Singh and Patron S Dhanwant Singh also addressed the day-long congregation.Prominent among those present on the occasion included Provincial President Devender Singh Rana. (KNS)