SRINAGAR: In an interesting development, the veracity of which is yet to be confirmed by other parties, Panthers Party founder, Prof Bhim Singh indicated a joint movement for restoration of statehood and possibly assembly elections with NC and PDP. Singh had met Dr Farooq Abdullah in Jammu in an informal “heart to heart meeting”.
In a statement issued by Singh, the meeting “discussed and they called His Excellency President of India to restore the Statehood in Jammu and Kashmir which was demolished by the BJP Govt. on August 5, 2019.” The meeting took place when Dr Abdullah visited Singh to enquire about is health.
“The get-together resolved to launch an effective movement together for immediate restoration of Statehood and ensure equitable development of the 3 regions, ensuring employment to educated, skilled and technically highly qualified youth of the State,” a statement issued by Singh said.
The statement said that both the leaders discussed that Muslims and Hindus in the State alone can ensure the security of each other as the security of the people is not only the job of Police, Army and paramilitary forces.
“Both the leaders discussed the possibility of holding a meeting of all State recognized political parties namely NC, PDP and JKNPP to discuss the movement for restoration of Statehood and State Assembly elections,” the statement said. “Dr Farooq Abdullah suggested the name of Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami CPI (M) leader in J&K. Dr Farooq Abdullah proposed the meeting of all State recognized political parties on December 19, 2021, at Jammu.”
The statement is a turnaround as the last time, Dr Abdullah approached Prof Singh, the latter faced a backlash within the party.