Srinagar: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday strongly condemned the vandalism of a Sufi tomb in Uttar Pradesh, describing it as a deliberate effort to incite communal tensions and threaten the secular fabric of the nation.
The incident occurred on Monday in Fatehpur district, where members of Hindu right-wing groups caused a disturbance at a mausoleum, asserting it was a temple site where they had the right to offer prayers. Following the unrest, police registered cases against over 150 individuals for damaging public property and disturbing public order.
Abdullah stated, “The desecration of any place of worship is unacceptable, but targeting a Sufi shrine — a symbol of India’s centuries-old tradition of syncretic culture and spiritual inclusiveness — is especially alarming.”
He condemned the act as a calculated attempt to stir communal discord and undermine India’s secular principles. “This attack is not just on a tomb but on the very essence of India, a land where multiple faiths have peacefully coexisted for centuries,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the significance of Sufi shrines, Abdullah said these sites have historically represented communal harmony, attracting people from diverse religions, castes, and backgrounds. He stressed that such places embody India’s unique spiritual heritage and must be preserved as a shared legacy.
The NC leader warned that such acts not only incite unrest but also aid those who seek to divide the nation. “These actions sow seeds of discord and intolerance, threatening the unity and peace of our country,” he added.
Urging swift action, Abdullah called on both the Uttar Pradesh government and central authorities to promptly identify and punish the perpetrators. He insisted there should be zero tolerance for those who disrupt communal harmony.
Finally, he appealed to religious and community leaders to unite in condemning such acts and promote the values of tolerance and coexistence. “India’s strength lies in its diversity. We must stand together against hatred and protect the soul of our nation,” he concluded.
