Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Nov 6: Former Chief Minister and National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that India and Pakistan must understand that the people on both sides of the borders want peace and prosperity and that war or the ongoing bloodshed in view of shelling on both sides in no way is going to serve any purpose.
Addressing a large gathering at a function organised in connection with Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his philosophy here today, Dr Abdullah expressed serious concern over the explosive situation on borders. He said the people on the borders have been left to suffer.
The innocents are facing shelling and unprovoked firing and have been made homeless. Many lost lives and suffered losses in terms of properties due to this undeclared war.
“It is true that both Pakistan and India will not fight war but both the neighbouring countries are making their own people fools by resorting to unprovoked firing. Entire border has been disturbed and the people are paying the price. They have left their homes. The innocents living along borders have nothing to do with the politics. They only want food at least twice a day and peace and nothing else. And this should be understood by the Governments on both the sides,” Dr Abdullah said.
Meanwhile, referring to fresh spell of ceasefire violation by Pakistan forces in Poonch, in which two Indian soldiers were martyred today, Dr Abdullah said shelling for the last few weeks has created fear psychosis among the border people, resulting in their dislocation from homes and hearths. The people of the border belt are facing the brunt of shelling and it is hoped that India and Pakistan would get engaged in meaningful dialogue bringing an end to the hostilities.
Referring to the situation in Kashmir, Farooq said the general masses are suffering badly. “The people are unable to move out. Studies of the youth and children have been badly hit. The youth who want to study and make career are leaving state and going outside J&K and even abroad. They will raise questions to the people responsible for this mess one day. The innocent youth are feeling cheated by the people at the helm of affairs. God willing all these youth return to national main stream and peace is restored in Kashmir.”
Without naming any party, the former Chief Minister said that those who claim themselves to be the self styled custodians of the protection of religion of a particular community, are not doing good to their people.
“By exploiting their religious sentiments, they have used these people as their vote bank. They are trying to create wedge in the society and diving people on religious and communal lines. They are more dangerous for the unity and peace of the country.”
He said during elections such people become more active and adopt every possible trick to exploit people on the religious lines. He warned the people to remain cautious from their designs. Dr Abdullah also castigated PDP and BJP leadership for not giving due respect to former Speaker and DyCM Late Pt Mangat Ram Sharma by not declaring State funeral on his death.
Dr Abdullah stressed the need to follow the philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and said that he preached to respect all the religions and treat all the people equally. He referred to his vast travels across Asia, Europe and Saudi Arabia to carry the message of God to each corner. Dr Abdullah stressed the need for women empowerment and said that women should be given their due right as they are enjoying in European countries.
The programme was organised by Punjabi Sahit Te Sabhyachar Kendra Jammu under the leadership of T S Wazir (Ex-MLC), chairman State Sikh Gurdwara Parband-hak Board. Wazir welcomed the guests and others in his opening address and also referred to the importance of this programme. A book written by S Harsimran Singh, Director Advanced Sikh Studies, Sri Anandpur Sahib (Punjab) was also released on the occasion by the chief guest and other special invitees. Sukhjit Singh from Kapurthala was the main key speaker on the occasion. He spoke in detail on the philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and important historic events of Sikh history. Harjinder Singh Raina, general secretary presented the vote of thanks.
Later, Dr Abdullah accompanied by provincial party president, Devinder Singh Rana and State vice president Rattan Lal Gupta visited residences of Pt Mangat Ram Sharma (Ex-DyCM), veteran party leader P L Handoo and BJP MLC Ramesh Arora to personally convey condolences on passing away of Ex-DyCM, Mr Handoo and Sadhya Arora.
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