Farooq Abdullah critical of Jamiat resolution on Vande Mataram

Union minister Farooq Abdullah has criticised the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind for its recent resolution asking Muslims not to recite Vande Mataram. "The fatwa against Vande Mataram is ridiculous," he said at a book launch function here last night.

"People who cannot recognise their mother cannot recognise their god," he said, adding "the song lifted spirits of lakhs of Indians during the Independence struggle." Abdullah, who was the chief guest at the function where veteran poet Khalish Dehlavi’s anthology of Urdu couplets was released, also shared with the audience his knowledge of the language.

"Urdu is the language of Indians. It is sad that fingers are sometimes pointed that this language is only for Muslims," he said. The National Conference patron also chose the occasion to recite a couplet composed by him.