JAMMU, Dec 1: Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the Peoples Democratic Party, emphasized on Sunday that the majority of Hindus in India uphold secular values and called for united action against divisive forces threatening communal unity. She expressed concern over a potential repeat of the riots reminiscent of 1947.
“The current situation in our country is troubling. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and B.R. Ambedkar made India a home for people of all religions—Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. Gandhi even gave his life for this mission,” she stated.
“People are being set against one another based on religion, and I fear we are heading towards a situation akin to that of 1947,” Muhbooba, a former chief minister, remarked while addressing party workers in Jammu.
Criticizing the BJP, she stated that the government has failed to deliver on jobs, education, healthcare, and infrastructure, instead diverting focus towards mosques under the guise of uncovering temples underneath them.
“This is the reality in our nation. Recently, four innocent young men were killed in Sambhal (UP), but who will advocate for them? Anyone who dares to speak out can end up in jail—just like Umar Khalid, who has been imprisoned for four years. In these times, there’s no one listening,” Mehbooba lamented.
She referenced a petition alleging that the Ajmer Sharif Dargah was built over a Shiva temple, highlighting that followers of various faiths, including Hindus and Sikhs, visit the 800-year-old shrine, which exemplifies ‘Ganga-Jamuni’ culture.
“Now, there are calls to excavate this shrine in search of a temple… How long will this go on?” she questioned.
Mehbooba urged people to stand up against these divisive tactics, warning that failure to do so could lead to a situation indistinguishable from that of Bangladesh.
“Our Hindu brothers are oppressed in Bangladesh. If we treat minorities here in India similarly, what sets us apart? Our country has a rich legacy known globally for its secular nature,” she said.
She pointed out that it was former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who supported Bangladesh in its quest for independence.
“I firmly believe that the majority of Hindus in our nation are secular. It is imperative that we respond to the emerging threats, as we must coexist peacefully, with no alternative,” she asserted.
Mehbooba also commented on recent assembly election results, suggesting that “something is amiss.” She mentioned that one state was intentionally neglected to prevent opposition from addressing electoral fraud, pointing out the Election Commission’s silence on the dramatic increase in voter turnout post-voting hours.
“Voting ends at 6 PM with 58% participation, but that jumps to 68% in three hours and reaches 70% before counting begins,” she observed.
Applauding Jammu for its secular ambiance, she noted that people of all faiths coexist harmoniously, unlike in Kashmir, which has a predominance of a single community or security forces. “The people of Jammu bear greater responsibility today. Even if they voted for one party (BJP) in the assembly, they must prioritize brotherhood and communal harmony,” she stated.
Mehbooba sought public support for her party candidates in the upcoming panchayat and urban local body elections anticipated next year, asserting that J&K is currently governed by ineffective administrations.
“On one side is the NC-Congress administration, and on the other, the BJP is ruling through the Lieutenant Governor. The people should back the PDP in the next elections, allowing us to serve you more effectively,” she concluded. (AGENCIES)
