National Conference President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday said Indian Muslims are feeling “unsafe” and urged the union government to treat all religions equally.
“… There is no doubt that Muslims are feeling unsafe. I will ask the government of India to stop that. 24 crore Muslims cannot be thrown into the ocean. They should treat Muslims equally. That is what our constitution is,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar.
Abdullah, who returned here after performing Umrah, said he prayed for the Muslims for their betterment and to safeguard them from the devils during the holy pilgrimage.
“I also prayed to end the hatred being spread among the different religions in the country and to bestow the people again with brotherhood and peace,” he said.
The NC president called the surveys being conducted at the religious places in the country “troublesome” and said he prayed that those spreading hatred should fail in their objectives.
“I will ask the government of India to stop such acts (surveys) in the country”, he added.
Abdullah said there is no difference between the religions and the language of the people in the Constitution of India.
To a poser on Kashmiri Pandits, Abdullah said they have to decide themselves about their return to the valley.
“…When I was the Chief Minister and when Article 370 was there – I tried to rehabilitate them (Kashmiri Pandits) but the situation was bad those days? Who stops Kashmiri Pandits from coming here? It’s their decision when they want to come. Our hearts are open for them”, Farooq asserted.
He said Kashmiri Pandits should return to their homeland.
Asked why employees were dismissed recently by the Lt Governor, Abdullah said the government would keep an eye on everything and see on what grounds their services were terminated.
In reply to a question Abdullah said that “the government of India should relook at its reservation policy”.
