Omar Abdullah expresses hope that PM Modi will send chadar to Ajmer Dargah amid ongoing controversy

Srinagar: On Thursday, January 2, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not yield to any external pressure and would continue the tradition of sending a "chadar" to the Ajmer Dargah. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah remarked, "You cannot separate religion from politics. We advocate for the separation of church and state, but in reality, politics is often done in the name of religion. This is something we need to accept. Nevertheless, I hope the prime minister does not give in to pressure and sends the chadar to Ajmer."

He also highlighted that the Ajmer Dargah holds significant emotional value for people of various communities. "It’s not only people of one religion who visit the Ajmer Dargah. While Muslims do visit, many non-Muslims also pay their respects there. The sentiments of a wide range of people are attached to it," he added.

Abdullah also welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to halt the controversial attempts of some individuals seeking temples beneath mosques, emphasizing that when the court makes a final ruling, it will be binding on everyone.

Regarding his changing wardrobe, Abdullah addressed questions about his clothing choices, stating that his attire is not meant to send any political message or assert his Muslim identity. "I don’t open my cupboard with a specific agenda or to make a statement. Sometimes I get into trouble over what I wear. I wear a Sozni cap because it is part of my heritage. The pagdi I wore in Jammu was out of respect for all cultures. None of this weakens my faith," he explained.

The National Conference (NC) leader further pointed out that Kashmir’s secular identity is reflected through the actions of its people, not just government initiatives. "During the recent snowfall, we saw the community open their homes and mosques to accommodate tourists. It wasn’t a directive from the authorities—people did it on their own. This spirit of generosity is ingrained in the people of Kashmir," Abdullah concluded.