Situation in J&K not normal: Farooq Abdullah

Ground Report | New Delhi: Situation in J&K not normal; National Conference President and Member of Parliament Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that even after the abrogation of Article 370, 35-A, there is no normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and all claims of normalcy made by the BJP are "hollow".

Situation in J&K not normal

He said that the urges and aspirations of the people have to be met for lasting peace in the Union Territory. Abdullah expressed surprise at the argument being made by the central leadership that statehood would be restored after the delimitation of constituencies and the elections were held."It is strange," he said and recalled the all-party meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi a few months ago in which he raised these issues.

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"Modi had insisted at the time that the gap between New Delhi and J&K has to be bridged by winning over hearts~Czech~ Hearts cannot be won by diluting the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which was divided and It was then downgraded, the NC leader said while addressing a public meeting at Mendhar in Poonch district.

“We all need to save the NC from such faces who use the party platform for their personal gains and later leave us. Unfortunately, it is not written on people's faces when they will be stabbed in the back. Some joined NC to get benefits and left later,” he said. “The ones who are leaving now are really helping us clean up the party. We are the least bothered about those who leave."

Referring to the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A and the recent militancy acts in Kashmir, Farooq said the BJP is claiming normalcy in Kashmir but all such claims are hollow and devoid of ground facts.

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terrorism impossible to eliminate

"Insurgency is on the rise in Jammu and Kashmir and it will continue till the Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs of Jammu and Kashmir get what they were promised," he said, adding, "It seems that terrorism is impossible to eliminate now."

He also said that the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was not a temporary provision in the Constitution of India as claimed by the BJP, but a permanent one. “The then Maharaja Hari Singh wanted Jammu and Kashmir to become an independent state but Pakistan made a mistake by sending the invaders and the Maharaja had no option but to join India to seek help of the army.

He added The accession was still conditional and the issue of Kashmir was taken to the United Nations where it is still pending. The then UN body had promised that it would send a special reporter to hold referendums in both parts of Kashmir which have not happened to date.

Amit Shah in Srinagar

Earlier Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that J&K will get what it deserves by 2024. Amit Shah hit out at National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah for advocating talks with Pakistan, saying if he talks, “it will be only the people of Jammu and Kashmir and its youth, and no one else.”

“Dr. Farooq Sahab has suggested that I should talk to Pakistan. Let me make it clear, if I speak, I will speak only to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and its youth, not anyone else,” Shah said while addressing a public meeting at SKICC on the banks of the famous Dal Lake. “Today, I am speaking my heart. I was given a series of questions. Today I am speaking without a bulletproof shield.

Addressing a gathering in Srinagar, the Union Home Minister said, “I was taunted, condemned… today I want to talk to you openly, that is why there is no bulletproof or security here… Farooq sahab has suggested me to talk to Pakistan but I will talk to the youth and people of the valley…”

He said that 40,000 people including security forces personnel, terrorists and civilians in Jammu and Kashmir so far. “Now is the time to come out of this bloodshed and move towards a new journey of speed, growth, and prosperity. I promise, J&K will get what it deserves by 2024,” the home minister said.

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