SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday reiterated his party’s demand for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A and full statehood, while questioning the delay in fulfilling assurances made regarding the restoration of statehood and the distribution of powers between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor.
Addressing a workers’ convention in Arwah, in the Beerwah constituency, Abdullah said the NC would continue to pursue the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status and its statehood. The convention was organised by Beerwah MLA Shafi Ahmad Wani.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s 2024 judgment upholding the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah termed the ruling wrong and argued that the court had earlier upheld the provision’s permanence. He maintained that his party would continue its political struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.
Abdullah questioned why statehood had not been restored despite assurances made in connection with delimitation and elections. He also said National Conference MPs had met the Union Home Minister in New Delhi in January this year and were assured that business rules clarifying the respective powers of the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government would be provided soon. He claimed the rules had still not been issued.
The NC president accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of contributing to the developments that led to the abrogation of Article 370. He said the NC had extended unconditional support to the PDP in 2014 but had warned against bringing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) into the government in Jammu and Kashmir. According to Abdullah, the PDP ignored the warning, with consequences for the region.
Highlighting the NC’s historical role, Abdullah credited the party’s land reforms with enabling poor and marginalised cultivators to gain ownership rights. He also attributed the expansion of education and the development of democratic institutions and infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir to the party’s initiatives.
He said repeated attempts to weaken the NC had failed and urged party workers to remain united and strengthen the organisation.
On development, Abdullah said the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was using available resources to accelerate projects across Jammu and Kashmir despite difficult circumstances. He said development works had also been initiated in the Beerwah constituency.
Wani, in his address, said funds had been released for various projects in the constituency and several works had been taken up to improve local infrastructure and public amenities. He said efforts were underway to address pending public issues.
The convention was attended by NC Provincial President Showkat Ahmad Mir, Central Zone President and Chadoora MLA Ali Mohammad Dar, Budgam District President Ghulam Nabi Bhat, Youth National Conference Zonal President Raees Ahmad Matoo, Zonal Secretary Mohammad Ashraf Matoo and other party functionaries and workers.