Amarnath Yatris an attack on soul of Kashmir:Farooq Abdullah

“The attack on pilgrims is the worst form of cowardice and barbarism. I appeal to every conscientious citizen and especially leadership of all shades of opinion to condemn this dastardly act strongly and unequivocally and consider observing a shutdown in the Valley in solidarity with these victims. The attack in Anantnag is an assault on our religion and our identity as Kashmiris," Farooq Abdullah said in a statement issued here in Srinagar

The National Conference President and Member of Parliament from Srinagar said communal forces in the country were hell-bent to divide the people on the basis of religion and race and such tragic, condemnable incidents are being used to further a divisive and polarizing agenda that is aimed to weaken the very ‘Idea of India’.

“We should call a spade a spade and oppose all such elements who are against humanity, liberty and secular values. Anyone who tries to justify the killing of innocents, anywhere, is a threat to humanity and should be exposed and opposed tooth and nail," Farooq Abdullah said.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)