National Conference (NC) today alleged that secularism was under severe strain in the country as "reactionary and fascist" forces were working to divide the nation on religious lines.
NC Provisional President Devender Singh Rana also said compartmentalisation of society on religious lines was against the idea of India.
"Secularism is under severe strain with reactionary and fascist forces working overtime to divide the nation on religious, regional, ethnical and caste lines," he said.
Rana was speaking at a function here to mark the 111 birth anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the founder leader of NC.
Rana said beneficiaries of polarised politics might have derived short term dividends but continuation of the trend could prove detrimental to the larger national interest.
Referring to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remark about India being a Hindu Rashtra, he said such a "myopic mindset will impede the country's growth as a vibrant, forward looking, progressive and dynamic nation which is capable of emerging as a world leader at the strength of its glorious civilisation and human resource".
"This (secular bonding) is the spirit which has all along guided National Conference," he said even as recalled the cherished slogan of 'Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist ethos' raised by Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah during Partition.
He said NC has never deviated from the path of secular traditions which is why the people, irrespective of caste, creed and colour felt secure under its umbrella.
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