By-polls about survival of secularism: Farooq

SRINAGAR: Asserting that the upcoming bypolls to the two Kashmir parliamentary constituencies are not just the battle of ballots, but fight for survival of secularism, National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah today alleged that it was at peril in the wake of communal and divisive forces taking centre-stage in the state polity. "The outcome of the two parliamentary seats from Kashmir, should, therefore, send a terse message to the fascist forces, who are overtly and covertly trying to establish foothold through PDP," Dr Abdullah, who is the candidate for NC-Congress pre-poll alliance for Srinagar Parliamentary constituency said, addressing party workers and functionaries at Budgam this afternoon.
Dr Abdullah said these crucial elections are going to prove Waterloo for the opportunistic alliance headed by PDP.
He said the victory of NC-Congress candidates from Srinagar and Anantnag parliamentary constituencies has to be massive to halt the tentacles of communal forces.
The NC president alleged the minorities in India were living under perpetual fear and uncertainty and if the divisive forces are not stopped, the day is not far when the situation in the Valley will become grimmer.
"Kashmir has undergone a traumatic phase and an onerous responsibility is cast upon all of us to reclaim our dignity and honour," he said while dwelling upon the atrocities inflicted to people, especially last year.
Mr Abdullah squarely blamed the PDP for facilitating BJP's growth in Jammu and Kashmir that has unfolded a big challenge for the people. "For loaves of power, the PDP betrayed the mandate by hobnobbing with the RSS after seeking votes against them in the first instance," he said while referring to PDP's anti-BJP campaign carried out in 2014.
He said the people of Kashmir got swayed by the falsehood and drama enacted by the PDP for power and exuded confidence that the same people will show anti-Kashmiri forces their right place.
He cautioned against money-power being used by the PDP and hoped that the people will remain steadfast in weeding out communal and opportunistic elements from Kashmir.