SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday accused the Centre of delaying the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and alleged that people in the Union Territory were being kept in an atmosphere of fear.
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said the government had indicated that delimitation and elections would be followed by restoration of statehood, but claimed the process had not been completed as promised.
“They said there will be delimitation, elections and then the state would come. They didn’t even do that,” he said.
Abdullah referred to a meeting between an NC Member of Parliament and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying an assurance had been given in January that the business rules would be sent within two weeks. He questioned the delay, saying September had arrived without the promised action.
“That was in January. Today, we have come to September. Where is it?” he asked.
The NC president also criticised political opponents over their position on Article 370 and Article 35A. He accused those who had supported their abrogation of later talking about restoring the provisions.
“You eliminated it. You were sitting with them. And then you fool people,” Abdullah said, without naming anyone.
He defended the National Conference’s political strategy and rejected calls for the party to change its approach. Abdullah said criticism was easy, while finding practical solutions was more difficult.
“If you think that we will bow, we are not going to bow,” he said.
Asked whether he wanted to make an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the Prime Minister already knew what people in the Union Territory wanted.
“He already knows what the people of JK want. And it is his promise,” he said.
Abdullah also questioned claims that peace had returned to Jammu and Kashmir, pointing to what he described as continuing fear and security concerns.
“They are roaming all over the world and saying peace has come here. We have ended militancy. Then where is this coming from?” he asked.
He alleged that the security situation was being used as a reason to delay statehood and claimed that an environment of fear was being created in Jammu and Kashmir.
Appealing to people to become more self-reliant, Abdullah said economic dependence on Delhi would make it difficult for Jammu and Kashmir to achieve dignity and independence.
“If you want to live with respect, then try to stand on your feet,” he said.
Abdullah said the National Conference would continue working for people despite the prevailing difficulties.
“We have our promise there. We walk on it. And we are doing our best for the people, even in these difficult conditions. And we will keep doing it,” he said.
The remarks followed a protest by NC leaders and workers near the Bharatiya Janata Party office in Srinagar on Wednesday morning. The protesters renewed their demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The demonstration took place amid heavy security deployment, with police and protesters coming face to face.
