Srinagar
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday asserted that the ruling BJP is trying to polarize the electorate in the country in view of forthcoming Lok Sabha elections saying such a tendency will prove detrimental to the unity and integrity of the country.
Addressing party functionaries and workers at his Srinagar residence Dr Farooq said BJP is trying to create a rift between different communities. “Such a trend will prove detrimental to the pluralistic ethos of our country. India belongs to all and we all have to live in peace and harmony with each other,” he said.
“Minorities in the country are feeling alienated and threatened more than ever. It is for the PM to address these concerns immediately and put a sense of security among all,” he said.
On the occasion, former IGP Shafkat Ali Watali joined National conference. Party Vice President Omar Abdullah was also present at the event. While welcoming Watali, party president said, “I am sure that the party will benefit from the administrative experience and acumen of Watali sahib. I welcome him into the party.”
Among others party, general secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar, provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani, state secretary Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, North Zone president Muhammad Akbar Lone and YNC vice president Ahsan Pardesi were also present.
Commenting on a spree of arrests in the valley party president said, “Repressive measures won’t prove effective to normalize the situation in Kashmir. Banning socio-religious outfits also won’t help. During Jagmohan’s time, JeI was banned, their schools and institutions were ceased. What was then governor able to achieve by banning JeI? Eventually, they had to hold parleys with them. It is, therefore, reconciliation and rapprochement only that will solve all the contentious issues,” adding, “Arresting people will not resolve anything in a sensitive state like J&K where the situation is always on the boil. Such measures will not help in creating a peaceful atmosphere here. It is an only dialogue that holds the way out.”
Party president while expressing concern over deteriorating India, Pakistan relation said, “It is for India and Pakistan to maintain amiable atmosphere among themselves. It is our state which becomes the battlefield for both the countries. People of our state have to suffer tribulation in view of increased animosity between India and Pakistan,” adding, “It is high time for both India and Pakistan to find a solution to the protracted political issue of J&K by giving autonomy to J&K on either side of the divide.”
Shafkat Ali Watali while reposing faith on the party leaders vowed to make the party stronger at grassroots.
