India faces threat from within, not outside: Dr. Farooq Abdullah

Jammu, January 22, 2025: National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah, in a speech delivered at the party headquarters in Jammu on Wednesday, stated that India’s primary threat today is not from external forces but from internal divisions. He emphasized the need for unity and the importance of countering divisive narratives to ensure the nation’s future.

Dr. Abdullah called for collective sacrifice to secure India, stressing that internal divisions, rather than external enemies, could pose the greatest danger to the country. “India does not face a threat from outside but from within. People inside the country can destroy it, not those from outside. To make the nation strong, we must make ourselves, our brothers, and our sisters strong,” he remarked.

He condemned the divisive propaganda, particularly the claim that Hindus are under threat, questioning the validity of such narratives in a country where Hindus make up 80% of the population. “There are 80 per cent Hindus in this country, so where is the threat? This narrative is meant to create fear among people. It is everyone’s duty to break this falsehood,” Dr. Abdullah said.

Reflecting on historical issues, he recalled the misinformation during his tenure as chief minister in 1996 regarding the settlement of people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He clarified that no one could settle in Jammu and Kashmir without approval from the Union Home Ministry, despite widespread rumors.

Addressing the controversial abrogation of Article 370, Dr. Abdullah explained that the provision was not only meant for Kashmiris but was introduced by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 to protect Dogras from the economic dominance of wealthy Punjabis. He criticized the abrogation, noting that it has led to growing economic challenges, with domestic jobs now being filled by outsiders and local people losing out on land and employment opportunities. “You celebrated the abrogation, but now even domestic jobs are going to outsiders. Think about what you have gained,” he remarked.

Dr. Abdullah also addressed accusations against him of being unpatriotic, asserting his strong identification as an Indian Muslim and dismissing divisive propaganda. “I am a Muslim, and I am an Indian Muslim. I am neither a Chinese nor a Pakistani Muslim. But this propaganda persists,” he said, highlighting the challenges his party and family have faced due to such false narratives.

He expressed gratitude for the support from the people, vowing to remain steadfast in their commitment to justice and truth. “If we remain on the right path, act with honesty, and ensure justice for all, we can overcome any challenge,” he assured.

Dr. Abdullah also stressed the importance of internal unity within political parties, urging party leaders to focus on their own house before attempting to unify the nation. “Put your house in order first. If your house is not in order, how can your country be?” he questioned, advocating for a unified approach to nation-building.

Lastly, Dr. Abdullah addressed the issue of gender equality, expressing disappointment over the delay in implementing reservations for women in Parliament. “Men often hesitate to share power with women, hindering our nation’s progress. We must ensure equality for men and women to truly advance,” he concluded.