Recalling historical role of National Conference in leading the state on the path of democracy and tying its destiny with secular ethos of the country, Provincial President Mr Devender Singh Rana on Saturday said that preserving idea of Jammu and Kashmir is crucial fornational integration.

“Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah’s visionary decision to reject the two-nation theory of Mr Ali Mohammed Jinnah and tie up with Mahatma Gandhi’s secular India reflected deep longing of the people for harmonious growth of the state”, Provincial President said at a function at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here.

Mr Rana said that those trying to distort the historical realities were actually undermining the deep urge of the people of Jammu,Kashmir and Ladakh for their political empowerment and participatory role indecision making. He said the sacrifices made by the towering leader of the sub-continent in steering out his people to dawn of democracy will remain glorious chapter of the history. He cautioned against the machinations being perpetrated by divisive forces to cause dent in the idea of Jammu and Kashmir,as envisioned by Sheikh Sahib and said they were causing enormous damage to the idea of India that stands for harmony, amity and togetherness.

“National Conference will continue to guard the secular fabric of Jammu and Kashmir even if entails any sacrifice”, Mr Rana said,hoping that good sense to prevail upon those attempting to dividing the larger Indian society under the garb of hyper nationalism.

Mr Rana decried the politics of hate being practiced across the country and said this is against the very idea of India. Instead of dividing people, the mercenaries of intolerance should work for bridging the gap if they really care for the nation and its integration. Once they understand this, they will shun their my opism and treat ever Indian,irrespective of religion, region, cast and creed as a compatriot. This spirit alone will lead the country to peace, progress and harmony, he added.       

He made a passionate appeal to the people for isolating those dividing society for deriving political dividends. He said reactionary politics is detrimental to the national interest. “It may have short term gains for some but ultimately such short-sighted politics will endanger the very foundations of the country”, he maintained.

The various other speakers also called for building a society based on mutual trust and love for each other.