‘Kashmir integral part of India, will remain so’, asserts Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Feb 26: National Conference President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah on Sunday asserted that Kashmir has been an integral part of India, is presently part of India, and will continue to remain so.

He made these remarks while delivering the valedictory speech at the 'Constitution and National Unity Convention-2024'.

"I bring you all good wishes from my people. Kashmir is a part of India, has been a part of India, and will remain a part of India," Abdullah said.

In his address, Abdullah expressed concerns regarding the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. He urged the Election Commission to ensure transparent elections where people's voices are accurately represented.

The Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar said the diversity of the nation needs to be protected for it to become strong.

"Religion does not divide us, religion unites us. There is no religion which is bad, it is we who practice it badly. If we want to move forward, the only way forward is to stand by each other, face the challenges that this nation faces together, and fight those evils that want to divide us," he said.

Claiming that the Constitution is under threat today and that everyone needs to work together to ensure that it remains strong, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said, "If we do not do that, we will regret it in the days to come. Like we regret today this machine (EVMs), that came many years ago."

"Today we don't trust this machine because it is doctored and people who vote, they don't see their vote there. I hope the Election Commission will take due regard to this and see to it that people are given a true election, whatever people want, that should be given to them. I hope it happens. Otherwise, time will come when there is nothing like a constitution, nothing like the diversity that we have," he added.

Abdullah also voiced apprehensions about the current state of the Constitution, highlighting the need for collective efforts to uphold its integrity. He cautioned against neglecting this responsibility, warning of potential regrets in the future if the Constitution is undermined.