Jammu, Mar 12: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday reiterated the demand for restoration of statehood, asserting that the elected government does not enjoy the powers it should have.
Responding to a question about remarks by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge linking the attack on the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister to the absence of statehood, Abdullah said that elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir with the assurance that full statehood would be restored.
“The biggest issue is that there is an elected government, but it does not have the powers it should have. Elections were held with the promise that statehood would be restored and people’s difficulties would be addressed. Years have passed — where is that statehood?” he told reporters here.
Abdullah said that the assurance on restoring statehood had been made both in Parliament and before the Supreme Court.
Asked whether crime was increasing in Jammu and Kashmir due to the absence of statehood, he said crimes happen across the country and warned that rising poverty and global developments could worsen economic conditions.
“Crime exists everywhere in the country. Poverty is increasing and the global situation, especially because of the war involving Iran, will affect us as well,” he said, adding that the middle class would face the biggest difficulties due to rising prices.
“The prices of everything are rising. The price of oil will go up and you may not even get gas. What will people do then?” he asked.
On the overall situation in the country, Abdullah said that hatred had deepened in society and warned that it was shrinking the space for those advocating communal harmony.
“Yes, there is law and order disorder. The biggest tragedy is that hatred in the country has taken deep roots. There is very little space left for those who talk about friendship and love between religions,” he said, adding that no religion teaches hatred and all religions promote compassion and mutual help.
Responding to allegations by some leaders of his party that the attack on him involved a conspiracy, Abdullah said any such claims should be investigated.
“If there is any conspiracy, it should certainly come out. But I request the Centre and the Lieutenant Governor that when they repeatedly say the situation has completely improved, they should examine whether the environment has truly become safe enough for us to move around with dignity,” he said.
He said that differences of opinion are natural in a democracy and stressed that India’s strength lies in its secular and democratic character. “Our opinions may differ but India is an independent and secular nation. Everyone has the right to express their voice. We may disagree, but we all have to live together,” he said.
Calling for peace globally, Abdullah said he would appeal to world leaders to end ongoing conflicts. “I would request them as there is friendship with Donald Trump and also with Benjamin Netanyahu. For God’s sake, tell them to stop the war. Ending the war is necessary,” he said.
On the Supreme Court granting bail to separatist leader Shabir Shah, Abdullah said people should work towards making the country better. “They should come out and help make this country better so that people can live here with dignity and humanity. Let us abandon hatred,” he said.
Referring to the continued displacement of Kashmiri Pandits, Abdullah stressed the need for communal harmony and reconciliation. “Our Hindu brothers are still living away from their homes. How long will this continue? It has been 34 years. The time has come for us to live together,” he said. (AGENCIES)
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