Wishes revival of ‘Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai’ era
Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Jan 9: In an apparent bid to accuse ruling Bhartiya Janta Party of creating troubles because of its alleged divisive policies, National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah today speculated that the ongoing controversy with Maldives was an outcome of the Hindu-Muslim divide being created in India.
“I have never been to the Maldives, so I don’t know much about it. But India has always helped Maldives. I don’t know the reason behind this controversy. Is this controversy a result of the Hindu-Muslim divide being created in India. I believe our Foreign Ministry will be able to explain this,” he said while talking to media persons on the sidelines of a function at Hari Niwas Palace, here today.
Maintaining that India has always supported Maldives and came to its rescue at difficult times, Farooq Abdullah recalled that when some rogues had invaded the island, the Indian Army went there and saved the country. “They (Indian Army) came back after fulfilling the task. I don’t know why this controversy happened,” he added.
Pertinent to mention that almost hundred percent population of Maldives is Muslim and there has been raging controversy between the two countries over some issues, particularly following purported derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by three Ministers of Maldivian Government.
Expressing dismay over present relations with China also, the National Conference president said that both the countries were good friends at the time of formation of Panchsheel during the period of Jawaharlal Nehru. “Though there was a wedge after 1962 war, we hope the Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai environment is rebuilt again,” he added.
“The influence of China has been increasing everywhere. It is increasing its influence in Nepal, which is our neighbour. It has already had influence over Pakistan. Its influence is increasing in Bangladesh. China has encircled us. There are no two things about it,” he said and added that India is making efforts to resolve issues through talks, but unless China comes forward with a positive response, nothing can be done.
On the issue of Ram temple and invitations being extended, Farooq Abdullah urged leaders of all parties to refrain from politicising religious matters. “Bhagwan Ram belongs to everyone in this world. It is a religious matter. There should be no politics over it. It should not be connected to politics,” he said.
However, responding to the question about his potential invitation to the grand event, Farooq Abdullah did not miss the opportunity for mocking at BJP and jokily said: “Who am I? I am no one. I am a small fly. They (BJP) did not invite even Lal Krishan Advani who had launched the entire movement for the Ram Temple.”
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