SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that his party remains committed to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and will continue its constitutional and democratic struggle for the objective.
Addressing a gathering in Beerwah, Budgam, Abdullah said the special status was the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and maintained that the constitutional relationship between India and J&K had been established within the framework of the Constitution through Articles 370 and 35A.
Abdullah also stressed the need to prepare young people for greater responsibilities, describing them as the architects of the nation’s future. He called for inculcating in the younger generation a spirit of public service, patriotism, commitment to the welfare of society and respect for people from all sections and faiths.
He said the National Conference had consistently encouraged young people and provided them opportunities in political and social spheres. He cited the party’s present legislators, several of whom had earlier been associated with the Youth National Conference, as an example.
The NC president said the party’s legislators remained connected with people at the grassroots and were working to address their problems and difficulties.
Abdullah alleged that forces from outside Jammu and Kashmir, along with certain groups in Delhi, had repeatedly attempted to weaken the National Conference by creating divisions and trying to lure or buy off its members. He said the people of J&K had repeatedly rejected such attempts.
Targeting opposition parties, he alleged that they lacked a concrete and constructive agenda and were therefore resorting to criticism for its own sake. He said the opposition should contribute constructively to governance while raising genuine public issues.
Abdullah also expressed hope that restoration of statehood would give the government greater authority to function effectively and help reduce the difficulties faced by people in Jammu and Kashmir.
He urged people to remain vigilant against divisive forces and said the National Conference’s core agenda was to safeguard the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and work for their prosperity, development and welfare.
Earlier, Abdullah visited Manzhamah in Magam, where he met senior party leader and Beerwah MLA Dr Mohammad Shafi Wani to offer condolences on the death of his sister. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for the deceased’s forgiveness, eternal abode in Jannat-ul-Firdous and elevation of her ranks in the Hereafter.
He was accompanied by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, senior leaders Peer Mohammad Hussain, Sheikh Mohammad Rafi, Professor Abdul Majeed Mattoo, Advocate Hashim Hussain and other party functionaries.
