Srinagar, Jan 19 — National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday addressed a range of issues, including the return of Kashmiri Pandits, growing religious polarisation, and demands for a separate Jammu.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said that Kashmiri Pandits were free to return and live in their homes like those who never left the Valley.
“Nobody has stopped Kashmiri Pandits from coming back and staying in their homes,” he said, adding that he had urged their return earlier and framed a comprehensive rehabilitation policy during his tenure.
“At that time we were not in power. Now it is New Delhi’s responsibility to rehabilitate them,” he said.
Abdullah said many Pandit families who left the Valley had since settled elsewhere, grown older, and raised children who are now studying in schools, colleges and universities.
“I don’t think they will come here again to settle permanently,” he said.
Responding to a question on religious polarisation, Abdullah said hatred was being spread across the country in the name of religion and that divisions between Hindus and Muslims were being encouraged for electoral gains.
“This country belongs to everyone and is known for its unity in diversity. Every religion has the right to live freely here, but some people want to fight in the name of religion,” he said.
Referring to the Vaishno Devi medical college admission controversy, Abdullah said students were admitted on the basis of NEET scores and that a majority of those selected were Muslims, after which the institution’s approval was withdrawn.
“Who did this? Who is responsible for spreading hatred in Jammu in the name of religion? Who is demanding the separation of Jammu?” he asked.
On Pakistan, Abdullah said Islamabad had repeatedly made its intentions clear regarding Jammu and Kashmir. “We have confronted Pakistan. If we wanted, we could have gone with Pakistan in 1947, but we chose India,” he said.
“We stayed with Gandhi’s Bharat. But is this his Bharat today? Are people living with ease, or are they being drawn into religious fights?” he asked.