'Divisive forces' in state need to be isolated: Dr Abdullah

Jammu, Mar, 16 (UNI) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah today declared a war against the ''divisive forces'', saying the elements who want to divide the state on the basis of religion, region and caste need to be identified and isolated.

The National Conference patron, who surprised his supporters as well as critics by attending a function of the Shiv Sena, said, ''I purposely attended this function to send a clear message to all those who play politics based on religion to rise above petty consideration and work towards creating a harmonious society in Jammu and Kashmir.

''A society, which is based on secularism, brotherhood, co-existence and harmony with the sole objective of serving the humanity and making J&K an apostle of peace,'' he asserted.

Dr Abdullah said the politicians, who are dividing the people of the state on religious lines for their petty political interests, are a danger to the state.

''The division of the state on religious, caste ethnic and regional lines will lead the state to a catastrophe,'' he said.

The NC patron said he wants to propagate a politics of consensus -- a politics which is value based and a politics where basis is ethics and service of the downtrodden.

''Frustrated political leaders in the state, who have played with the dismay of the state in the last five and half years, will face defeat in the coming polls and will get a befitting reply from the people of the state for their politics of deceit and manipulations,'' Dr Abdullah said.

He also urged the youth of the state to focus on self development and self empowerment. ''National Conference, if voted to power, will come out with a youth oriented policy which will lay emphasis on a progressive strategy for the welfare of the youth of the state'' the former CM promised.

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