Srinagar
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Sunday asserted that the forces as are hell bent to obliterate the special status of the state are coming forth holding lotus and Apple in their hands saying that people across the state should beat their nefarious designs by actively participating in the ensuing Parliament elections.
Addressing a massive election campaign rally at Uri, party vice president said that the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir joined hands with the union of India on certain conditions and assurances. “We are not like any other state of India. We have our own flag, our own constitution. Today our state is facing onslaught on its special status from all sides. Forces, as are inimical to the unity and integrity of our state, are coming in different hues and some are holding a lotus in their hands and some Apple. I caution you again about their nefarious designs. Their sole agenda is to obliterate every spec of our special character.”
Omar said that the biggest problem that the state is facing is that of unemployment and any stride on Art-35 A will have far-reaching consequences on the employment prospects of our youth. “Art 35-A confers upon us certain rights vis-à-vis employment and scholarship. Nonetheless, BJP-RSS and their cronies in the state want to snatch this right from our educated youngsters. The situation of unemployment is already grim in our state and doing away with Art 35-A will inadvertently put the future of our children in the doldrums. In order to ensure our children a secure future we have to remain vigilant of these BJP-RSS cronies.”
“Today people from PC and PDP are coming to you for votes. But people of Uri are asking them as to where was their concern when people were fleeing Uri following border skirmishes; what happened to their promise of building roads. Where was their concern when our traders, students were being attacked upon across parts of the country after Pulwama tragedy. We have seen how Sajad flaunted brotherly relations with Modi. He has many times said that Modi was his elder brother. Why didn’t he ask his elder brother to ensure the safety of our traders, students across the country?” he said.
While flaying BJP-PDP-PC combine for berating and betraying people’s mandate, Omar asked, “What happened to the promise of getting back power stations? How many youngsters were you able to give employment? All PDP-PC did while in government was to serve their own interests. We only saw Sajad throwing tantrums for getting plush cabinet posts. Why didn’t Sajad ask his elder Brother Modi to lessen the tyranny which was unleashed on people during 2016? We didn’t see him raise any voice for the people then.”
Omar while referring to the problems faced by the people in Uri said, “ During my stint as chief minister, we had mulled to give 5% reservation to Pahari Community however after PDP took over the reins of power the whole scheme was put into cold storage. Nevertheless, after Governor’s rule was imposed the Pahari community was given reservation; however, the quota was reduced from 5% to 3%. In my government, we had decided to give 5 per cent reservation but the governor administration reduced it, why didn’t PDP and PC raise a hue and cry over this undue step. I assure you that once NC is voted to power in the state with a strong mandate we will increase the reservation quota to 5 percent.”
Omar while flaying PDP and PC for providing space to BJP in the state said, “When I was the chief minister of the state I resisted the implementation of NFSA (National Food Security Act), however, PDP-PC took no time to implement it. Today our mothers and sisters are finding it very difficult to run their kitchen. Who is to be blamed for it? GST was implemented by the PDP-PC –BJP combines as well. Today we see that every commodity and services being taxed heavily. Every edible has become dearer. The lives of lakhs of APL and BPL consumers have been put to duress. Who is to be blamed for it? People are better judges of the follies of PDP-PC. Posterity will never forgive them for playing havoc with the interests of the people of the state of ours.”
“The PDP-BJP combine has aggravated the situation to the extent that the sole artery of ours, our national highway has been closed for civilian traffic. Where will the patients go who are being referred to Srinagar hospitals? What will the students do?”
Omar said that people are the real source of power and the sole purpose of the leadership is to serve people. “Political class is meant to serve people. National Conference once in power will ensure that the people of Uri get their due share in the border trade. My colleague Sajad Uri has a vision for the area. He wants to take this constituency towards development. His vision espouses bringing Uri on the tourism map. However, all that is possible only if the people of Uri strengthen his efforts. In fact we all have to converge our energies to work for a developed and prosperous Uri at large,” adding, “Today we are going to face semifinals in the shape of parliamentary elections, this time we have to ensure that Akbar Lone Sahib wins with a thumping margin; however we have to keep up the momentum up to assembly elections,” he said.
