Growing extremism not prerogative of one community: Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today cautioned against increasing radicalisation of youth, saying this "growing extremism is not the prerogative of one community alone".

"Democratisation of traditional societies, unleashing the forces of political mobilisation also hold a potential for increasing radicalisation of the youth in the name of religion and caste," he said speaking at the 15th National Integration Council meet here.

He said efforts are being made to manufacture exclusive community and religion based identities which are different from the rest of the society.

"These radicalised elements regrettably, make it appear that either you are with them or with the enemy. However, this growing extremism is not the prerogative of one community alone," Omar cautioned.

He said the solution to all such problems lies in launching a sustained compaign for the inclusive development of all the communities in the country.

He said it needs to be understood that the root cause of communalism is not the presence of many religions in the country. It is only when the religious sentiments are exploited with an economic or political motive, that the resultant effects give rise to communalism.

The Chief Minister said internal security problems are rooted in politics and armed insurgencies are basically struggles for political space.