Forces inimical to secular ethos are at centre-stage: Farooq

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today said the country is passing through a difficult phase as those against the secular ethos of the country have "got to the centre-stage".
"We are passing through a difficult phase as elements inimical to secular ethos of the country have got to the centre-stage," he saidwhile addressing his party men on the third day of his ongoing tour to Rajouri and Poonch districts.
"Their machinations to divide the people on the basis of region and religion will be defeated by further strengthening bonds of amity and brotherhood," he said.
He said politics of hate and suspicion is detrimental to the secular fabric of the country and the state and those "exploiting" religious sentiments for their ulterior political motives needed to be isolated.

"This can be done by maintaining unity," he said.
He said his party's youth, women, and students wings have been rejuvenated and they will face the situation "boldly".
Abdullah asked his party cadre to gear up for upcoming panchayat and urban local body polls.
"Massive participation of youths and women is imperative for ensuring their effective involvement in decision making at local levels," Abdullah said.