Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said the Union Territory was passing through a difficult phase, with the elected government functioning under limited powers, and reiterated that his party would continue its struggle for the restoration of special status.
Addressing a one-day party convention in Baramulla, Abdullah said the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister had made commitments regarding delimitation, elections and restoration of statehood, but statehood had not been restored despite the passage of two years.
He criticised the delimitation exercise in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that it had been designed to benefit a particular political party. He said six Assembly seats had been added in Jammu against one in Kashmir, and claimed the BJP had won all the additional seats in Jammu.
Abdullah also questioned the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, saying Rajouri and Poonch had been attached to the Anantnag constituency instead of having separate representation for the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions. He said the decision disregarded geographical realities and public needs.
The convention was attended by NC General Secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar, Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, Provincial President Showkat Mir, North Zone President and Uri MLA Sajjad Shafi Uri, Gulmarg MLA Farooq Shah, Pattan MLA Javid Riyaz Bedar, Baramulla MLA Javed Hassan Baig, Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar and other party leaders and functionaries.
Abdullah said policies pursued by New Delhi had sought to keep people dependent rather than enable them to become self-reliant. He said people could protect their dignity, honour and rights only by standing on their own feet, stressing the need for unity.
He said people of Jammu and Kashmir had endured hardships under different historical periods, including Afghan, Sikh, Mughal and Dogra rule, and expressed confidence that the present difficulties would also pass.
Abdullah alleged that the emergence of numerous political parties in Kashmir was aimed at weakening the collective voice of the people and fragmenting their electoral mandate.
Reaffirming the NC’s commitment to the restoration of special status, he referred to Article 370 and asserted that it had been accorded a permanent place in the Constitution of India. He said the party would continue its struggle for the constitutional and democratic rights of the people.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the targeting of minority communities, particularly Muslims, in several parts of the country, especially in BJP-governed states. He questioned those in Kashmir who supported the BJP and remained silent over such incidents.
Abdullah said the elected government and its legislators were working to address public grievances despite limited powers, while criticising what he described as attempts to portray the government as having done nothing.
Abdullah said journalists were facing pressure and difficulties in bringing public issues to light, adding that highlighting people’s problems could expose them to harassment and questioning by police.
He also criticised the discontinuation of the official holiday commemorating the martyrs of July 13, 1931, saying historical sacrifices and public sentiments deserved respect.
Questioning the existing system under the Lieutenant Governor, he said leaders familiar with the aspirations and local realities of Jammu and Kashmir should have a meaningful role in decision-making.
He criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its alliance with the BJP, alleging that decisions taken under the leadership of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti had contributed to the difficulties being faced by people.
During the convention, several political and social figures joined the NC, including Er Tariq Ahmad Magloo, president of the Trade Federation, Baramulla; Zahid Miraj Baluroo, former PHE trade union leader; Miraj-ud-Din Raina, vice-president of the Band Saw Mills Association, Baramulla; Ameer-ul-Haq Masoodi, former trade union leader; Ghulam Rasool Malik, former PDP zonal president for Wagoora-Kreeri; and Ravinder Singh, former Employees’ Schemes trade union leader.
The new entrants were welcomed into the party with floral garlands.
Abdullah urged people to rise above differences and continue their peaceful and democratic struggle for their rights, saying unity was essential for a dignified and empowered future for Jammu and Kashmir.
