SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of treating Jammu and Kashmir unfairly, alleging that the revocation of its special status, continued delay in restoring statehood and restrictions on the elected government’s powers had undermined democratic principles.
Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir had been subjected to “step-motherly treatment” and pointed out that statehood had not been restored despite assurances that it would follow the Assembly elections.
He said the erstwhile state was reorganised into two Union Territories after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, adding that the people had not been consulted before the decision. He also alleged that the elected government was being denied powers ordinarily available to a Union Territory administration.
“The Lieutenant Governor’s administration leaves no opportunity to interfere in the functioning of the democratically elected government and create obstacles in its work,” Abdullah said.
The NC president said intimidation, coercion, harassment and suppression of public voices had no place in a democracy. He added that protecting human rights and ensuring equal treatment of citizens, irrespective of religion or faith, were fundamental responsibilities of a democratic society.
Expressing concern over what he described as growing communalism and religious discrimination, Abdullah said arbitrary decisions and the alleged misuse of official authority for personal or political interests could undermine social harmony and national unity.
He said India’s secular character and Constitution had long been sources of national identity, but alleged that the policies and conduct of the ruling party were increasing insecurity among Muslims and other minority communities.
Abdullah also expressed concern over reports of the desecration of religious places and bulldozer actions targeting Muslim places of worship, saying the sanctity of religious sites must be protected under all circumstances.
