National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that India is a secular country where every religion has the right to flourish, and stressed that the Centre must direct states to stop communal disturbances.
Reacting to question on an alleged stone pelting incident at a religious place, Abdullah said that such elements have always existed in society.
“There are such people and they will be there. Evil is there and he will keep doing his work. No one should be afraid of him,” he said while speaking to reporters in Srinagar.
Emphasising India’s constitutional values, Abdullah said, “We have always said that India is a secular country. It gives permission to every religion to move forward. Now it is up to the central government to tell the states to stop what is happening.”
On Bangladesh situation, the veteran politician said India always wanted to maintain cordial relations with its neighbour.
“We want friendship, peace and brotherhood. There is an election now and a new government will come. We hope that Delhi and Dhaka will open new ways exchanges,” Abdullah said.
The NC leader prayed for peace and prosperity in the region in coming year.
“May Allah make the coming year better than this one. May our problems be less. May tourism be good.
May there be peace and brotherhood,” Abdullah said.
