Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar Saturday reaffirmed that the foremost agenda of the Omar Abdullah government is to place Jammu and Kashmir firmly on the path of development, stability and inclusive growth, asserting that all unholy and malicious designs of communal and divisive elements are bound to fail.
Addressing a special meeting at the party headquarters Nawa E Subha, Sagar said that over the years, communal forces and divisive politicians have made relentless attempts to fragment the people of Jammu and Kashmir on regional, linguistic and religious lines. He warned that these elements are now pushing dangerous narratives of religious division, regretting that a few self-styled leaders from the Valley are also echoing the rhetoric of such saffron outfits.
Recalling the composite and pluralistic character of the erstwhile state, Sagar said Jammu and Kashmir was once like a vibrant bouquet of regions and communities, where people of different faiths lived in peace and harmony. He termed the bifurcation of the state on 5 August 2019 and the separation of Ladakh as a historic blunder, noting that the decision has increasingly faced public resentment. “Except for Kargil, even in Ladakh, where there was some initial support; people today are protesting against these decisions,” he said.
Sagar further cautioned against renewed attempts to separate Jammu from Kashmir, stating that such moves would only deepen divisions. He criticised certain leaders, whom he described as operating at the behest of Nagpur, for lending support to these demands. At the same time, he lauded Jammu’s civil society, business and trade bodies, lawyers, and the general public for unanimously rejecting the demand for separation and for standing up for unity.
Reiterating confidence in the eventual course correction, Sagar said the central government will sooner or later be compelled to review the decisions of 5 August 2019. He also urged party workers to immediately begin systematic preparations for the forthcoming Panchayati and Municipal elections, stressing that the mandate given to the National Conference carries with it the responsibility to address public issues with sincerity and resolve.
The meeting was attended by Women’s Wing President Advocate Shameema Firdaus, Provincial President Advocate Showkat Ahmad Mir, Dr. Syed and other senior party functionaries.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the Provincial body of the Youth National Conference Kashmir was also held at the party headquarters. The meeting reviewed organisational activities, discussed issues confronting the youth, and took note of various youth-oriented initiatives undertaken by the government. The meeting was chaired by Provincial President YNC Mir Mushtaq and convened by YNC Provincial Secretary Sheikh Ovaise.
