Kashmir integral part of India, will remain so: Farooq Abdullah

Bengaluru, Feb 26: Former J&K Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah has said that Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so.

Delivering the valedictory speech at the “Constitution and National Unity Convention-2024” here, he said ,“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.”

The NC President expressed concern 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. He viewed that the diversity of the nation needs to be protected for it to become strong.

Dr Farooq Abdullah said that religion does not divide people but unites them.” 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.

The former J&K Chief Minister claimed that the constitution is under threat today and that everyone needs to work together to ensure that it remains strong. “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,” he said.

“Today we do not trust this machine because it is doctored and people who vote, they do not 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.

NC President 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.