Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir emphasized on Monday that every government is constitutionally bound to safeguard the rights of minorities, asserting that such protection should be a priority for any administration.
“Every government of a nation is constitutionally duty-bound to ensure that the people of the nation are safe, borders are protected, and minorities are safeguarded,” Mir said in response to remarks made by Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Farooq Abdullah.
Mir elaborated on the constitutional rights of minorities, saying:
“A group which is in majority in one country can be a minority in another country. The minorities should get their rights in their countries. It is inherited. Whether someone demands it or not, it is constitutionally defined.”
Farooq Abdullah on Kashmiri Pandits and Religious Equality
JKNC President Farooq Abdullah reiterated his stance that Kashmiri Pandits are welcome to return to the valley anytime.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister, Abdullah remarked:
“When I was the Chief Minister and when Article 370 was there, I tried to rehabilitate them (Kashmiri Pandits), but the situation was bad those days. Who is stopping Kashmiri Pandits from coming here? It’s their decision when they want to come. Our hearts are open for them.”
Abdullah also addressed concerns regarding the safety of Muslims in India, urging the government to ensure equality and justice for all communities.
“There is no doubt that Muslims are feeling unsafe. I will ask the govt of India to stop that. 24 crore Muslims cannot be thrown into the ocean. They (the govt) should treat Muslims equally; there is no discrimination based on religion in our constitution,” he said.
He further warned about the dangers of undermining constitutional values, adding:
“They (BJP-led Centre) should remember that. If they destroy the Constitution, where will India remain?”