SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday said the party would continue to follow the political legacy of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, claiming that the Omar Abdullah-led government was working to ensure political, social and administrative representation for all three regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Farooq made the remarks during an interaction with a delegation of NC office-bearers and workers from Samba district, led by senior party leader Rajesh Sagotra.
The meeting focused on party affairs, organisational activities and grassroots engagement, while members of the delegation raised issues concerning people in their respective areas and briefed the NC president about ongoing party programmes.
Farooq said the land reforms introduced during Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s tenure had brought significant changes to the lives of economically weaker sections across Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the reforms enabled large sections of poor and working-class people in Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir to acquire land ownership rights, which, according to him, contributed to greater economic self-reliance and improved living standards.
Farooq also credited the NC’s earlier governments with laying the foundation for expansion in education and healthcare across the erstwhile state.
On Jammu, he said the region had witnessed considerable development but claimed that its progress was affected after people voted for the BJP.
“Instead of dividing people along religious lines, priority should have been given to public issues, development and prosperity,” Farooq said, alleging that religious sentiments had been given greater political importance.
He also criticised the BJP over its policies on government employment, saying opportunities meant for eligible youth of Jammu and Kashmir had been opened to candidates from across the country.
Farooq said the NC had repeatedly urged people in Jammu to reject religious divisions and focus on development, economic prosperity and public concerns, but claimed the appeal had not received the desired response.
He also referred to the Darbar Move, saying its discontinuation had affected Jammu’s economy.
According to Farooq, the Omar Abdullah-led government restored the practice after returning to office, describing it as an administrative link between Jammu and Kashmir that had also supported economic activity in Jammu.
He asked party workers to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots, maintain unity within its ranks and remain in regular contact with the public.
Farooq also called upon party functionaries to raise people’s grievances at different levels and use their organisational resources to help address local issues.
