SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday called for launching a mass membership drive and fast-tracking preparations for organisational elections while urging party leaders to strengthen grassroots outreach across Jammu and Kashmir.
He made these remarks while chairing a day-long meeting of the party’s Kashmir Provincial Working Committee at the Nawa-e-Subha headquarters in Srinagar.
The meeting was attended by party vice-president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, additional general secretary Mohammad Ramzan, advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, cabinet ministers Sakina Itoo and Javed Ahmad Dar, besides party office-bearers and working committee members.
The meeting was organised by Provincial President Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir.
During the meeting, discussions were held on the political and administrative situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, public grievances, organisational matters and future party strategy.
Participants highlighted issues related to unemployment, economic distress and basic amenities in their respective areas and also discussed public outreach programmes and challenges faced by party workers.
Addressing the gathering, Farooq Abdullah urged party leaders to maintain close contact with people at the grassroots level and play an active role in strengthening the organisation.
He said the National Conference had faced several challenges in the past and had always emerged stronger due to public support.
Farooq Abdullah said the party had made sacrifices for safeguarding the interests of Jammu and Kashmir and would continue to confront present challenges with determination.
He also accused the opposition of spreading misleading propaganda and said the party’s support base remained strong among the people.
The NC president directed party MLAs to prioritise public service above personal interests and instructed leaders to immediately launch the membership drive and complete preparations for organisational elections.
He stressed that active grassroots representatives should be encouraged within the party structure.
Farooq Abdullah further directed leaders to organise party conventions in every district, understand public grievances and work towards their resolution.
He also asked MPs and party in-charges in constituencies without NC MLAs to remain actively engaged in resolving local issues and ensuring fair allocation of development funds.
Highlighting the need for better public communication, he said the government’s developmental initiatives and welfare measures should be effectively conveyed to the people.
He maintained that despite challenges, the Chief Minister, ministers and party representatives were continuously working for development and public welfare.
Farooq Abdullah also asked party leaders and workers to create awareness regarding the census alongside the membership campaign and educate people about its significance.
Representatives from minority, women, trade union and youth wings also attended the meeting.
