SRINAGAR: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Sunday questioned the continuation of what he described as a “dual power structure” in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the Union Territory cannot remain an exception to India’s democratic and federal framework despite having an elected government.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Duratyar in Bijbehara, where he offered condolences to the family of former NC Block President Muhammad Ismail Wani, Abdullah said the people of J&K had given a democratic mandate that should be respected through a fully empowered elected government.
He said the assurances made by the BJP-led Union Government after the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, including the restoration of democratic rights and statehood, remain unfulfilled.
“The people of J&K were told that the changes of August 5, 2019 would place the region on par with the rest of the country. If that is so, why does Jammu and Kashmir continue to function under a dual power structure despite having a democratically elected government?” he asked.
Abdullah said elected governments elsewhere in the country exercise full constitutional authority, while Jammu and Kashmir continues to be denied similar powers.
Referring to the recent killings in Bijbehara and Kulgam, the NC president said the promise that the 2019 constitutional changes would bring lasting peace had not materialised.
“The people were assured that peace and normalcy would prevail, but recent incidents show those promises remain far from being realised,” he said, adding that J&K continues to be treated differently from other parts of the country.
He said repeated assurances by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the restoration of statehood and democratic rights should now be translated into action.
“Jammu and Kashmir, with its unique social, cultural and geographical diversity, can realise its full potential only under a fully empowered elected government. The National Conference will continue its peaceful and constitutional struggle until the legitimate rights of the people are restored,” Abdullah said.
Earlier, Abdullah visited the residence of the late Muhammad Ismail Wani, a former NC Block President, who died after remaining bedridden for nearly eight years following injuries sustained in a militant attack in 2019.
He offered prayers for the deceased and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. Senior National Conference leaders, including Showkat Mir, Hasnain Masoodi, Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Abdul Majeed Bhat Larmi, Adv. Reyaz Khan and Mir GM Saqi, accompanied him during the visit.
