Discrimination Against Muslims in India Being Legitimized: Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference (NC) leader Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that discrimination against Muslim across the country is being legitimized by those at the helm of affairs which is deplorable and should be condemned in unequivocally by those who believe in justice and equity.

"Some policies and actions pursued in various states across the country are providing political patronage and cover for bigotry against Muslims resulting in marginalising them further," he said in signed statement here.

Mr. Abdullah asserted that various legislative and other actions that includes banning of the Halal marked food in some states have legitimized discrimination against Muslims.

He, however, also said, “There is no place for bullying and oppression and sectarianism in a democracy" and that the "message of 'social, economic and political justice', 'freedom of thought, expression, belief, religion and worship' and equality constitute the very soul of our constitution."

The NC leader who represents home constituency Srinagar in Lok Sabha added, "These characteristics had given India the distinction of being a secular and democratic country all over the world. "

He regretted that such overtly targeted actions such as the ban on Halal products in some states sends a very clear message to more that 200 million Muslims in the country that they must bear every humiliation and injustice with silence. “I think it's bad for democracy, especially the secular democracy we were brought up on," he warned.

Mr. Abdullah further said, "We were told it (democratic set up of the country) would be fair to minorities, fair to everybody. We were told that India belongs to everyone and the government will work for the welfare of every community. However, the government actions in these states is taking the country in the wrong direction.”