Former top Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, and head of the Democratic Azad Party, has ignited a social media frenzy with his recent comments about the historical religious landscape of Kashmir. In a viral video addressing the people, Azad asserted that Hinduism predates Islam saying while the introduction of Islam to the region might have occurred from outside influences, those who converted were Hindus and didn’t come from outside.

The majority of conversions, Azad said, took place within the borders of India itself. 

Referring to the Mughal period, Azad mentioned that only a small number of conversions can be attributed to individuals from the Mughal army, emphasizing that the broader population which embraced Islam came from Hindu and Sikh backgrounds.

The veteran leader further emphasized the inclusive nature of the Indian nation, asserting that it was established to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Dalits, Muslims, and Hindus. 

“10-20 people from the Mughal army. The rest have converted from Hindus and Sikhs,” he said. 

Azad recounted his interactions in parliamentary sessions, recalling a debate with a fellow MP who claimed that some citizens were outsiders. He argued against this view, highlighting the long-standing presence of both Islam and Hinduism within India’s borders.

Referring to Kashmir, Azad said those who converted to Islam were Kashmiri Pandits. 

The comments made by Ghulam Nabi Azad have sparked vigorous discussions across social media platforms, with netizens engaging in debates about the historical evolution of religious beliefs in Kashmir.