SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Additional General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan Saturday said that the Omar Abdullah-led elected government has put the districts of South Kashmir firmly back on the path of development after years of political misadventures and unfulfilled promises by successive non-NC regimes.
He made these remarks while presiding over a one-day workers’ convention of the Kulgam constituency at Yaripora. Minister for Health, Higher Education and Social Welfare Sakina Itoo was also present on the occasion.
The convention was convened and coordinated by National Conference State Spokesperson and Incharge Kulgam, Imran Nabi Dar.
The convention was attended by Provincial President Adv. Showkat Ahmad Mir, MLA Devsar Peerzada Feroze Ahmad, District President Safdar Ali Khan, YNC Provincial President Mushtaq Mir, District Vice President Mohammad Younis Malik and others. Detailed discussions were held on organisational affairs, public issues and strategies for strengthening the party at the grassroots level.
Addressing the convention, Choudhary Ramzan launched a scathing attack on the PDP, accusing it of deceiving the people of South Kashmir and facilitating forces that undermined Jammu and Kashmir’s political identity and constitutional position.
“A party that came to power by selling dreams and slogans to the people of South Kashmir ultimately pushed the entire region into uncertainty and chaos. The PDP did everything it had promised it would never do. It opened the doors for forces that were hostile to Jammu and Kashmir’s unique identity and helped them execute an agenda whose consequences people continue to suffer even today,” he said.
He said the people of South Kashmir have not forgotten the political decisions that led to instability and turmoil. “Our people remember who stood where when history demanded courage. They remember who surrendered principles for power and who remained steadfast in defending the rights and aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir. The PDP’s much-publicised political experiment turned into a nightmare that cost the people their dignity, constitutional safeguards, special status and statehood,” he said.
Taking a dig at the opposition’s criticism of the present government, Ramzan said, “Today, when Omar Abdullah’s government is leading a democratic and constitutional struggle for the restoration of statehood and the protection of the rights of the people, the same political actors have suddenly rediscovered their voice. Their objective is not to strengthen the movement for people’s rights but to create confusion and divert public attention from the core issues.”
He added, “When they were in power with the BJP, they maintained a deafening silence to protect their chairs and political interests. The questions they raise today should have been raised when they occupied positions of authority. Political theatrics cannot erase the memory of their actions.”
Ramzan asserted that the National Conference remains committed to safeguarding the political, economic and constitutional rights of the people and would continue to pursue the restoration of statehood and democratic guarantees through peaceful and constitutional means.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sakina Itoo highlighted the pro-people and pro-poor initiatives undertaken by the Omar Abdullah-led government despite the limitations imposed by the Union Territory framework.
She said that within a short span, the government has prioritised public welfare, employment generation, healthcare, education and social security, reflecting its commitment to fulfilling the promises made to the people.
“Much has already been achieved despite institutional constraints. Every commitment made in the National Conference manifesto remains a solemn pledge, and we are determined to deliver on each one of them. Our government is working with sincerity, transparency and a deep sense of accountability towards the people,” she said.
In his address, Imran Nabi Dar lauded Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his cabinet colleagues and the party leadership for what he described as their unwavering commitment to public service and inclusive development.
He said the elected government has succeeded in rebuilding public confidence through its developmental initiatives and its emotional connect with the people of South Kashmir.
“The people have once again begun to feel that they have a government which listens, responds and stands with them in difficult times. This renewed trust is the biggest endorsement of Omar Abdullah’s leadership and the National Conference’s people-centric agenda,” he said.
