In a strong appeal for religious harmony and the protection of India’s diverse cultural heritage, National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah emphasized the importance of safeguarding every religion. His remarks came on Saturday, a day after the Assam Assembly decided to scrap a two-hour ‘namaz’ break for Muslim legislators on Fridays.
Unity in Diversity
Speaking at an event, Abdullah highlighted India’s long-standing tradition of unity in diversity. He stressed that the country’s strength lies in its federal structure, which accommodates various religions, languages, and cultures across different states. “This country is known for unity in diversity. We have every religion and every language, be it Tamil Nadu, Kashmir, Bengal, or Maharashtra—any state, every state has a different culture, and that is why India is a federal structure, and we have to protect every religion,” he said.
Response to Assam’s Decision
Abdullah’s comments were in response to the Assam government’s recent decision to discontinue the two-hour break provided on Fridays for Muslim legislators to offer ‘namaz’ during assembly sessions. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the rule would be abolished from the next session.
The NC president expressed his belief that such decisions are not permanent and that they could be reversed in the future. “When the time comes, it will change. Nothing is permanent. Good things will prevail again. We will tell them, let our government come, not to indulge in such activities,” Abdullah stated, suggesting that a future government might restore the practice or adopt a more inclusive approach.
Call for Respect Across Religions
Abdullah also called upon the people of Jammu and Kashmir to respect and protect the rights and beliefs of people from all religions. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect and understanding as a foundation for harmony in the region and across the country. “We have to take care of people from every religion. When our approach towards them is good, then it will be good across the country,” he added.
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On Mehbooba Mufti’s Comments
Responding to recent remarks by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti, Abdullah urged restraint and cautioned against divisive rhetoric. Mufti had described as “regrettable” comments made by NC Vice President Omar Abdullah regarding the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), a banned organization. Omar Abdullah had noted that JeI, which once considered elections as “haram” (forbidden), now finds them “halal” (permissible).
Farooq Abdullah refrained from engaging in a verbal confrontation, instead calling for a focus on unity and the protection of the nation. “I will not say anything about her. May God bless her. May she tread her own path, but think about protecting the country. Nothing will come out of pointing fingers at each other. She must shun this way,” he said.
Prayers for National Unity
On Saturday, Farooq Abdullah visited the Sufi shrine of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi, where he paid his respects and offered prayers. He prayed for an end to the “chaos in the country” and for the strengthening of brotherhood between different communities. His visit to the shrine and his subsequent remarks underscored his commitment to promoting religious harmony and unity in a time of increasing polarization.
Abdullah’s statements come at a crucial time, as India continues to navigate challenges related to religious and cultural diversity. His call for governments to protect every religion and his appeal for mutual respect serve as a reminder of the foundational values of inclusivity and unity that have long characterized Indian society.
