New Delhi, May 30: National Conference (NC) President and Member of Parliament from Srinagar Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Monday underscored the importance of National unity and integration in encouraging national development.

While speaking in the Muslim Intellectuals’ meet at the Aiwan-e-Ghalib auditorium in Delhi, he said that the key to India’s success is its diversity.

“Our diversity is the core that makes us so unique and it’s that unity in diversity that adds up to our national strength,” he said.

NC leader and MP Anantnag Hasnain Masoodi was also present at the function.

“India’s Muslims are an Increasingly Marginalized Population. Muslims in India are today seen with suspicion despite the fact that Muslims took part in the national struggle for independence and gave their lives for the country’s honour. Sher-e-Kashmir also belonged to that tribe of selfless heroes, who endured incarcerations, and difficulties for their cherished dream of freeing the country from the yolk of imperialism, feudalism and despotism. Many people believe Muslims didn’t contribute to India’s Independence from British rule. To make it worse, there are not many sources available that disclose Muslims’ contribution to India’s Independence. The generations brought up over this narrative believe that either the Indian Muslims were aloof from the freedom struggle. In this age of social media, we find people questioning the patriotism of the Indian Muslims based on this false understanding of the freedom struggle. The reality however is that Muslims took an active part in the country’s freedom struggle and even post-independence era, it is needless to say how actively Muslims participated in nation building.”

On the situation in Kashmir he said, “The law and order situation is deteriorating with every passing day. There cannot be peace in J&K till you win the hearts of the people. The incumbent government needs to understand that.”