JAMMU: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief minister Farooq Abdullah today cautioned against division of society on the basis of religion, saying those doing it under the garb of "ultra-nationalism" were actually doing disservice to the nation.
"Fragmenting society in bits and pieces is against the idea of India and its most cherished composite ethos. Those doing it under the garb of ultra nationalism were doing a disservice to the nation," he said while addressing party workers here.
He expressed concern over the "arrogant posturing" of some elements under the mistaken belief of serving national interest and said this in fact harmed the spirit of togetherness and tranquillity.
"Time has come when forces inimical to peace and unity are completely isolated," he said.
He emphasised the need for strengthening secular forces, especially in a diverse state like Jammu and Kashmir which has undergone a traumatic phase in the past.
"The nation and the state cannot afford division between communities as they can prosper only when people of all faiths and regions get a fair deal and equal treatment in all spheres," he said.
The National Conference President asked the party cadres to work for forging amity between various segments of society and fight divisive tendencies.
"The people, especially poor and down-trodden have all along been looking towards the party with a hope and the leadership should reach out to them in the hour of need," he added.