SRINAGAR: Reaffirming the National Conference’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and special status, the Deputy Chief Minister on Thursday rejected war as a solution to the region’s challenges and called for peace, unity, and dialogue across all sections of society.
Speaking to reporters, the Deputy Chief Minister criticised those responsible for the abrogation of Article 370 and the downgrading of JK to a Union Territory. “Those who ruled for years must answer why they allied with forces that later stripped us of our constitutional rights,” he said, questioning the political choices of the past.
He highlighted that since 1947, including during the Kargil conflict, it has always been the border population that has suffered the most. “Bullets and drones do not differentiate by religion or region — they only destroy,” he said, stressing the human cost of conflict. “War helps no one; it is the common people who suffer.”
Referring to recent disturbances along the border, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed concern over their impact on civilian life, particularly in the Kashmir Valley. “Our hotels went empty, tourism took a hit, and transporters suffered losses. This should not have happened,” he said.
On the issue of governance, he shared that during a recent visit to government offices in Jammu, he made an effort to interact not only with senior officers but also with grassroots workers. “Senior officers can always approach me, but the workers on the ground often go unheard. I wanted to listen to them personally and share Omar Abdullah’s message of inclusivity and attention,” he said.
He added that the public is now demanding attention to voices that have been neglected over the past decade. Addressing the cultural divide between Jammu and Kashmir, he said: “There was a time when people from the Valley hesitated to visit Jammu and vice versa. That gap must be bridged. I have instructed officials to actively work towards regional integration.” [KNT]
