SRINAGAR: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday reiterated his party’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and constitutional and democratic rights, asserting that the NC would continue its political struggle until these objectives are achieved.
Addressing party workers and supporters, Dr Abdullah said the National Conference had overcome numerous political challenges throughout its history and had always emerged stronger with the support of the people. He expressed confidence that the party would once again lead Jammu and Kashmir through the present circumstances.
“The National Conference remains steadfast in its commitment to the restoration of statehood and the constitutional rights of the people. With the blessings of Almighty Allah and the continued support of the people, we will achieve these goals,” he said.
Taking a swipe at rival political parties, the NC president alleged that people of Jammu and Kashmir were fully aware of the “reality of the BJP and its proxies” and could not expect meaningful representation from parties unwilling to challenge the BJP. He claimed such parties were formed to divide the people’s mandate.
Referring to the recent protest held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over the demand for restoration of statehood, Dr Abdullah said some parties stayed away from the demonstration because they did not want to upset the BJP, choosing instead to offer excuses for their absence.
He urged the Centre to immediately restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and begin the process of restoring its constitutional and democratic rights. Reiterating the party’s opposition to the August 5, 2019 decisions, Dr Abdullah described the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories as a “historic mistake” and said reducing a historic state to a Union Territory was a setback to democratic principles.
Later in the day, Dr Abdullah visited the Hazratbal shrine, where he offered Friday prayers. He prayed for peace, prosperity and the well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, besides seeking peace and dignity for the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large.
