SRINAGAR: The National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah has criticized the Hindu extremist BJP for anti-Muslim rhetoric during elections saying targeting the 14 per cent of India’s population won’t help Indian to grow.
Addressing a rally in downtown Srinagar in support of his party candidate Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Abdullah emphasized the need for harmony post-elections and the importance of fostering dialogue with Pakistan.
Abdullah said there have been instances during the campaigning when several top BJP leaders targeted Muslims.
“My worry is that this hatred against Muslims is not limited to election-time only but continues even after that. Now you tell me, India is a house to a large number of Muslims which comprise 14 per cent of the population.
“Targeting the minority community will not help the country become a strong nation,” Abdullah said.
Citing recent attacks in regions like Poonch, he expressed concerns over the resurgence of militancy.
Talking about challenging circumstances in IIOJK, Abdullah criticized the BJP-led government’s policies and called for improving security in the region.
“I have time and again warned but the BJP is not ready to accept the reality. In the last four years or so, the areas which had been freed from militancy, are seeing a resurgence of militancy, especially Srinagar city, which has witnessed repeated militant attacks, and Rajouri and Poonch,” Abdullah said.
He said that during his tenure as chief minister between 2009-2014, these areas were free of militancy.
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