Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and senior National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah on Thursday strongly condemned the attacks on Kashmiri shawl dealers reported from different parts of India, stating that those behind such acts want to impose a Hitler-style system in the country.
Talking to media persons at party headquarters Nawa–Subah, Abdullah said that certain elements have dangerous objectives and wish to promote an ideology similar to Nazism. He remarked that Nazism has already vanished from the world and expressed hope that such extremist thinking would also disappear from here.
Referring to the repeated targeting of Kashmiri traders, particularly shawl sellers who travel outside Jammu and Kashmir to earn their livelihood, Abdullah said these attacks are aimed at spreading fear and hatred. He stressed that Kashmiris believe in peace, coexistence and mutual respect, and such acts damage the social and economic fabric of the country.
The National Conference leader also spoke about the winter season and expressed hope for adequate snowfall in Kashmir. He said snowfall is essential for boosting tourism, which supports thousands of families, besides strengthening agriculture and water resources. Abdullah added that a good winter season would help revive the tourism sector and bring economic relief to locals dependent on it.
Speaking on regional relations, Farooq Abdullah called for friendship with neighbouring countries, saying peace is the only way forward. He said that Bangladesh is a friendly neighbour and emphasized that cordial relations with neighbours are necessary to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
Farooq Abdullah reiterated that hatred and violence cannot sustain for long and urged people to reject divisive ideologies in favour of harmony and brotherhood. [KNT]
