Farooq Abdullah, president of the National Conference, responded to the Centre’s claim of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir by stating that true peace means no armed troops patrolling the streets.
He also challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government, questioning whether they still believed Article 370 was responsible for terrorism in the region. The former chief minister emphasized that despite having control over Jammu and Kashmir for the past five years, the Centre had not successfully curbed terrorism.
“How many troops are stationed here? How heavily armed are the forces on the streets? Is that peace? Peace should exist without these troops,” Abdullah said in an interview with India Today.
As the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections draw closer, Abdullah called for the immediate restoration of statehood. Criticizing Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, he said, “I want full statehood, now. Why should we remain under the control of Delhi’s representative? He can impose decisions or make changes as he pleases.”
Abdullah made these comments when asked if an alliance with Congress would aid in restoring statehood after the elections. He clarified that the alliance was not a matter of compulsion but was essential for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the restoration of statehood.
He also criticized the BJP-led government for reducing Jammu and Kashmir’s status, remarking, “Since India’s independence, I’ve never seen a state being downgraded to a Union Territory, except for Jammu and Kashmir.” Abdullah further accused the BJP of dividing the country along religious lines, saying, “The way they are trying to separate people based on religion is concerning.”
Farooq Abdullah also commented on Omar Abdullah’s decision to contest from two seats in the upcoming elections. He said that active participation was crucial to changing the political landscape.
Omar Abdullah’s Candidacy in Ganderbal
Omar Abdullah has filed his nomination to contest from the Ganderbal constituency in the upcoming assembly elections. At a public gathering, Omar removed his skull cap, asking for the people’s support, saying, “Today, I entrust my turban, my honor, and this cap into your hands.”
Addressing the crowd in Kashmiri, he made a heartfelt appeal, “Give me a chance. I appeal to Ganderbal with folded hands to grant me the opportunity to serve and represent you.”
Ganderbal has been a stronghold for the National Conference, with three generations of the Abdullah family winning from the constituency. NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was elected in 1977, followed by his son Farooq Abdullah in 1983, 1987, and 1996. Omar Abdullah secured the seat in 2008.
