Srinagar, July 18: National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that his party would continue its peaceful, democratic and constitutional struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status and the constitutional rights of its people.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah voiced deep concern over what he described as the growing climate of hatred, communalism, religious intolerance and social polarization in the country.
In a statement, the NC chief, while calling for collective action, appealed to all secular, democratic and patriotic forces to unite against attempts to undermine India’s unity, integrity, composite culture and constitutional secular character through divisive politics.
Addressing a gathering of senior party leaders, office-bearers and a large number of party workers, Dr. Farooq said India’s freedom was not won by any single community or religion but was secured through the collective sacrifices of people belonging to every faith, region and background.
He observed that the Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the fundamental rights to equality, religious freedom, freedom of expression and justice, adding that these constitutional and democratic values continue to constitute the bedrock of the nation’s unity, strength and progress.
Referring to Jammu & Kashmir’s constitutional relationship with the Union of India, Dr. Farooq said the accession of the erstwhile State was accompanied by specific constitutional assurances under which it enjoyed a distinct constitutional position.
He expressed regret that these constitutional guarantees were diluted over the decades, ultimately culminating in the abrogation of the region’s special constitutional status. Reaffirming the party’s longstanding position, he said the National Conference would continue its peaceful, democratic and constitutional struggle for the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s special constitutional status and the constitutional rights of its people.
