Says NC always upheld inclusive governance, protection of minority rights
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Minority Cell (Kashmir Province) held a special meeting at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha Complex, under the chairmanship of Party President Dr Farooq Abdullah, who said that Hindu-Muslim-Sikh unity defines the true strength and identity of Jammu and Kashmir and that the National Conference has always upheld inclusive governance, equal representation, and protection of minority rights.
The meeting was attended by the party’s Additional General Secretary and RS MP Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Provincial President Kashmir Advocate Showkat Mir, Provincial Vice President and MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, YNC Provincial President Mir Mushtaq, senior party functionaries, and Minority Cell representatives from various districts. The meeting was organised by Minority Cell Convener Sardar Jagdish Singh Azad.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Farooq said that the National Conference was founded on the enduring principles of equality, justice, secularism, and communal harmony. He said the party’s Constitution and the historic Naya Kashmir manifesto place the protection of minority rights, equal opportunities, adequate representation, and the preservation of the religious, social, educational, and cultural identity of all communities at the centre of its vision.
Recalling the leadership of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Dr Farooq said that the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh were brought into the mainstream of governance and development without discrimination. He added that the National Conference has faithfully carried forward this legacy and has never indulged in politics based on religion, caste, or community.
Dr Farooq emphasised that Sher-e-Kashmir’s historic slogan of “Hindu, Muslim, Sikh Unity” remains the ideological cornerstone of the National Conference and continues to embody the true strength, character, and identity of Jammu and Kashmir. Highlighting the party’s governance record, he said that successive National Conference governments introduced landmark reforms that guaranteed dignity, security, and equal rights for every section of society, particularly minorities, including transformative land reforms, expansion of educational opportunities, strengthening of democratic institutions, promotion of social justice, protection of religious freedom, equitable access to public institutions, and balanced regional development.
Dr Farooq said that the National Conference, and particularly the Muslims of Kashmir, have made unparalleled sacrifices during difficult times to safeguard the lives and properties of minority communities while upholding the cherished traditions of brotherhood, tolerance, and humanity. He stressed that protecting the diverse languages, culture, and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir remains a collective responsibility and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to preserving and promoting every language spoken across the region.
Representatives from various districts apprised him of issues confronting their respective communities, developmental requirements, and other public concerns. Dr Farooq assured them that all genuine demands would be vigorously taken up with concerned authorities and that every possible effort would be made to ensure timely resolution. He also directed the party’s Additional General Secretary and Rajya Sabha Member, Advocate Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, to raise all important issues falling within the jurisdiction of the Central Government in the Rajya Sabha so that the legitimate concerns of minority communities receive effective representation at the national level.
Among others present were Provincial Secretary Syed Towqeer Ahmad, Srinagar District President Peer Afaq Ahmad, Amit Kaul, and other party office-bearers. The meeting also finalised the Minority Cell’s programme for the observance of July 11, the death anniversary of Madar-e-Meharban Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah.