NC remains steadfast in defending Urdu's cultural centrality in J-K: Farooq Abdullah

Ruling National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday called out forces stoking controversy over the Urdu language, saying the party remains steadfast in defending Urdu's cultural, administrative and religious centrality in Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, Abdullah said the forces attempting to ''manufacture outrage'' over the issue are doing so to ''camouflage their own historic blunders and political failures'', asserting that the people of J-K are fully aware of who safeguarded the identity of the language and who undermined it for narrow political gains. Taking a sharp dig at the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the NC chief said they have deliberately raked up the Urdu issue to deflect attention from their own political compromises and backdoor dealings during the Rajya Sabha elections. ''Those who shook hands with the BJP for political survival are now attempting to exploit emotional issues to mislead the public and whitewash their record of betrayal, he said. Abdullah reiterated that the party remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguard the unique identity, linguistic heritage and cultural ethos of J-K. ''The party will continue to stand as a bulwark against every attempt to erode the region's distinct character, assuring the people that NC will fiercely defend their rights, traditions and aspirations at every political and constitutional forum,'' he said. Asserting that Urdu does not belong to any one religion, Abdullah said it is a language of the people. ''It was rightly introduced in this region by the Dogra rulers as it helped connect different communities, cultures, regions and walks of life. Over time, it has evolved into a shared heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, acting as a unifying thread across society,'' he said. The NC president said the region has produced great Urdu poets from non-Muslim backgrounds as well, which itself reflects its inclusive and composite character. Urdu remains the sole linguistic bridge that continues to connect people, Abdullah added.

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