Farooq calls for safeguarding India’s secular fabric
11/12/2025
SRINAGAR, Dec 10: On the occasion of Human Rights Day, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Farooq Abdullah called upon all political parties, public institutions and civil society groups across the nation to renew their commitment to safeguarding the secular and democratic ethos that form the bedrock of the Indian Republic. “Human Rights Day is not merely a symbolic observance but a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold the dignity, equality, and freedoms of all citizens regardless of religion, region, language, or ethnicity," Abdullah said in a statement.
He stated that in a diverse country like India, the protection of human rights is inseparable from the protection of secularism.
"The secular visage of our country is not an abstract ideal, it is the very fabric that binds us together as one nation," he said adding, "At a time when divisive narratives threaten to erode our shared values, it is imperative that every political party rise above partisan interests and defend the principles of justice, harmony, and mutual respect."
The former chief minister urged political leaders to refrain from rhetoric or actions that may foster polarization and instead champion policies that strengthen inclusivity and empower marginalized communities.
"Human rights cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. They thrive only when every individual feels safe, valued, and equal before the law," he added.
He reiterated that the preservation of secularism is not the duty of one group alone, but a collective national responsibility. He called for renewed dialogue, empathy, and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure that India remains a beacon of pluralism and democratic ideals.
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