Srinagar, Sep 13: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Sunday urged the Union Government to take “serious and meaningful” measures to address what he described as a growing sense of alienation, disappointment and distrust among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that while elections had been held in J&K, the elected government had remained deprived of full powers even after two years, calling the situation contrary to democratic, constitutional and moral principles.
Dr Farooq said the decisions taken on August 5, 2019, were a “major mistake” by New Delhi and urged the Centre to rectify them in the interest of the country’s unity, integrity and democratic system.
He reiterated that the Centre would eventually have to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s special position, saying the National Conference would continue its struggle for the restoration of the region’s constitutional and democratic rights.
The NC president also expressed strong resentment over the continued Union Territory status of J&K, saying people had voted for an elected government to run the region’s affairs and address their problems.
According to him, the existing system has created hurdles for the elected government in providing relief to people and resolving their day-to-day issues.
He said the demand for restoration of statehood was aimed at enabling the J&K government to function more effectively and serve the people better. However, he clarified that seeking statehood did not mean the National Conference had abandoned its demand for restoration of special status.
“Our party will continue, under all circumstances, to struggle for restoration of the constitutional rights that the people of Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed under the Constitution of India. We will not hesitate to make any sacrifice for this cause,” he said.
Dr Farooq said the National Conference government was making efforts, despite constraints, to provide relief to people, strengthen infrastructure and improve delivery of essential services.
He added that NC legislators were regularly engaging with people in their constituencies and working to address their grievances.
He reiterated that safeguarding the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir remained the party’s foremost priority.
