Urdu language debate in Jammu and Kashmir: Farooq Abdullah defends Urdu central role

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah criticised those fuelling controversy over the Urdu language in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it masks political failures. He accused the Peoples Democratic Party of raising the issue to divert attention from alleged compromises during Rajya Sabha elections. Abdullah said NC remains committed to protecting Urdu and the region’s linguistic heritage.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah criticised what Farooq Abdullah described as a fresh row around the Urdu language. Farooq Abdullah said some groups were stirring the issue to create outrage. Farooq Abdullah said National Conference stayed firm on Urdu’s cultural, administrative and religious role in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement, Farooq Abdullah said such moves tried to hide earlier mistakes and political setbacks. Farooq Abdullah said people in Jammu and Kashmir knew who protected the language’s identity. Farooq Abdullah also said people knew who weakened Urdu for limited political benefit.

Urdu language row and Farooq Abdullah’s attack on PDP

Farooq Abdullah also targeted the Peoples Democratic Party over the Urdu debate. Farooq Abdullah said PDP raised the issue to shift focus from political compromises. Farooq Abdullah linked this to alleged backdoor dealings during the Rajya Sabha elections. Farooq Abdullah said the tactic aimed to distract the public.

Farooq Abdullah said parties that worked with the BJP for political survival were now using emotional issues. Farooq Abdullah said this approach sought to mislead people and cover what Farooq Abdullah called betrayal. Farooq Abdullah did not name any other party besides PDP and BJP in the statement.

Urdu language and National Conference stand in Jammu and Kashmir

Farooq Abdullah said National Conference remained committed to protecting Jammu and Kashmir’s identity. Farooq Abdullah said the party would safeguard linguistic heritage and cultural ethos. Farooq Abdullah said National Conference would oppose any attempt to erode the region’s distinct character at public and legal levels.

Farooq Abdullah said National Conference would defend rights, traditions and aspirations in every political forum. Farooq Abdullah also said the party would take the stand at constitutional forums. Farooq Abdullah presented this as an assurance to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Urdu language history in Jammu and Kashmir under Dogra rulers

Farooq Abdullah said Urdu was not tied to one religion. Farooq Abdullah described it as "a language of the people\". Farooq Abdullah said Dogra rulers introduced Urdu in the region for practical reasons. Farooq Abdullah said it helped connect communities, cultures, regions and different walks of life.

Farooq Abdullah said Urdu later became a shared heritage across Jammu and Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah said it worked as a unifying thread in society. Farooq Abdullah said the region also produced major Urdu poets from non-Muslim backgrounds. Farooq Abdullah said this showed Urdu’s inclusive and composite character.

Farooq Abdullah said Urdu continued to act as the main linguistic link among people. Farooq Abdullah said the language remained central to shared identity in Jammu and Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah said National Conference would keep defending Urdu’s place while opposing efforts that Farooq Abdullah said aimed to dilute the region’s character.

With inputs from PTI