Pune – Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar has called on citizens to maintain positive views of Kashmiris and the Muslim community in the Valley, emphasizing their loyalty to the nation during critical times.
Speaking at the inauguration of an amphitheatre named after former Planning Commission member Vijay Dhar at the Sarhad Institute, Pawar said attempts were being made to create divisions between Kashmiris and the rest of the country. He urged people not to fall into such traps and instead support the community.
Recalling the Pahalgam terror attack, Pawar noted that while a neighboring country had a hand in the incident, Kashmiri Muslims did not endorse it. He highlighted that then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a special assembly session where a resolution was unanimously passed condemning the attack and assuring safety for tourists.
Describing Kashmir as “the diamond of the country,” Pawar praised its natural beauty and people. He asserted that regardless of external interference, Kashmiris would not think of aligning with hostile neighbors. “It is important that our thoughts about Kashmir and its Muslim community remain positive,” he said.
Former Union Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, also present at the event, shared his experience of visiting Lal Chowk in Srinagar on Vijay Dhar’s suggestion. He remarked that misinformation later circulated about his visit, claiming he was afraid, though his experience was different.
 chief Sharad Pawar urged citizens to maintain positive thoughts about Kashmiris and Valley Muslims, stressing their loyalty to the nation and condemning divisive narratives.){kind=link}