SRINAGAR, Jan. 1 — Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and senior National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah on Thursday strongly condemned attacks on Kashmiri shawl traders in different parts of India, describing the acts as driven by extremist ideology.
Speaking to the media at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subah, Abdullah said, “Certain elements have dangerous objectives and wish to promote an ideology similar to Nazism. Nazism has already vanished from the world, and I hope such extremist thinking will also disappear from here.”
Referring to the repeated targeting of traders who travel outside Jammu and Kashmir to earn a livelihood, Abdullah said the attacks are intended to spread fear and hatred. “Kashmiris believe in peace, coexistence and mutual respect, and such acts damage the social and economic fabric of the country,” he added.
He also expressed hope for adequate snowfall, saying it is essential for tourism, agriculture and water resources, and could bring economic relief to thousands of local families.
On regional relations, the National Conference leader called for friendship with neighbouring countries. “Bangladesh is a friendly neighbour. Cordial relations with neighbours are necessary to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region,” he said.
“People must reject hatred and divisive ideologies. Hatred and violence cannot sustain for long. People must choose harmony and brotherhood,” Abdullah added.
Attacks on Kashmiri identity have not been unusual, often flaring up in the aftermath of militant attacks, as seen after the Pulwama and Pahalgam incidents. On Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said an FIR was registered following its intervention in the assault on a Kashmiri shawl seller in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district.