‘North feels fear, South instils hope’: Farooq Abdullah makes emotional appeal for unity against ‘fascist forces’

Farooq Abdullah urges unity against rising fascism, advocating for federalism and democracy during a seminar in Thiruvananthapuram.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) warned that India is facing a major crisis marked by rising fascism, centralisation of power, erosion of truth in public discourse and growing communal divisions, as he called for unity to defend secularism and democracy.

Addressing a seminar on ‘Secularism, Democracy and Consultative Government’ at the conclusion of the three-day ‘Vision 2031: An International Conference on Development and Democracy’ in Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Abdullah praised Kerala for upholding religious harmony and inclusive development by “respecting every religion and every human being” and for achieving near-elimination of poverty despite the purported constraints from the Centre.

He expressed concern over the alleged weakening of India’s federal structure. “This is supposed to be a federal country where States have their powers and the Centre has its powers. But today the Centre controls everything, even stepping into areas meant for States,” he said.

Referring to the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir and the abrogation of Article 370, the National Conference leader questioned the claim that the provision was the root cause of terrorism. “Has terrorism disappeared?” he asked, citing attacks such as those that occurred in Pulwama.

Dr. Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir’s conversion into a Union Territory has reduced the powers of its elected Assembly. Key decisions remained pending approval from the Lieutenant Governor.

In an emotional appeal, the 88-year-old leader said people in the North continued to suffer discrimination and fear. “Majority of Hindus are not communal, but fear has driven us to the corner. We derive strength from you, the South. We look at you and pray for the day when we can also walk freely, talk freely and think freely,” he lamented.