PDP-BJP Govt rendered defunct in Kashmir;Talk to those willing to engage: Omar to Delhi

By admin On Nov 25, 2016

STATE TIMES NEWS
KISHTWAR: National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said that the PDP-BJP Government had been rendered completely defunct in Kashmir and its writ was being questioned on a daily basis by quarters it had tried to appease and then suppress.
“Such is the writ of the Government in the Valley that the business establishments, transport, schools and every sphere of activity is running as per weekly protest schedules and calendars”, Dr Abdullah said while addressing a huge workers rally at Kishtwar this afternoon.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah said Mehbooba Mufti should not misrepresent signs of normalcy and activity in the Valley as an alleged restoration of normalcy as all such activities were being carried out according to the weekly schedules being issues by Hurriyat leaders.
“Mehbooba Mufti should see writing on the wall and understand that mass discontent is not only due to the complete refusal of the Government to acknowledge the Kashmir issue but also because of the PDP’s betrayal to those who voted and supported it during the 2014 elections”, the NC President said while referring to the anti-BJP plank of the PDP during electioneering and its subsequent U-turns in its run up to forging an alliance with the BJP. He said PDP instilled fear among voters about a looming threat and danger of the BJP making inroads into Kashmir but ironically changed its colours with the sole aim of attaining political power at the cost of its ideology and promises. Dr Abdullah said that political opportunism and breach of the peoples’ trust would have serious implications for PDP. In such a scenario, the strengthening of National Conference at the grassroots assumes an added significance to meet the challenges faced by the State. He said National Conference was not guided blindly for the sole goal of power but its unflinching political philosophy to safeguard the honour and dignity of the people and to uphold the unity and integrity of the State with opportunities of progress to all, irrespective of caste, creed, colour or regional affiliation. The NC President reiterated the crucial significance of dialogue between New Delhi and all stakeholders in Kashmir and externally with Pakistan, adding sooner or later the central leadership will have to talk to Islamabad for lasting peace in the region”. He said the solution to Kashmir problem lies in a sustained dialogue process and not in military might or aggression on the LoC and the International Border. He said dissent and discontent in the Valley cannot be silenced by canons on the border or by pellet guns in Kashmir but New Delhi must show compassion and try to win over the hearts and minds of people especially the disillusioned youth.
Addressing the workers, former Chief Minister and Working President National Conference Omar Abdullah sought an immediate engagement between New Delhi and all stakeholders in Kashmir willing to talk to the Centre for bringing an end to political uncertainty and to look for a lasting solution. He reiterated that Kashmir was a political issue and needed a practical and sustainable political solution that could be reached only by engaging all the stakeholders in a meaningful dialogue.
Former minister and MLC Sajjad Kichloo also spoke on the occasion.
National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammed Sagar, Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustaffa Kamal, Provincial President Devender Singh Rana, State Vice Presidents Rattan Lal Gupta and Th Kashmira Singh, Provincial Vice President Brij Mohan Sharma besides Qazi Jalal-ud-Din, Dr Chaman Lal, Tanvir Kichloo, Abid Magrey and Arif Mir were present on the occasion.