Says Centre Repeatedly Failed to Honour Promises on Article 370, Accuses BJP of Using Local Leaders to Undermine J&K; Calls for Peaceful Struggle to Restore Dignity and Trust
Srinagar, July 11: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that successive governments at the Centre have failed to deliver justice to Jammu and Kashmir since 1947, alleging that repeated promises made to the people regarding their constitutional rights were never fulfilled.
He urged people to remain united and continue a peaceful struggle for the restoration of their rights and dignity.
Addressing National Conference workers during the 26th death anniversary of Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah (Madar-e-Meharban) at Hazratbal, Dr Farooq, as per news agency JKNS, said there was no reason to lose hope despite decades of political setbacks.
“From 1947 till today, no government has done justice to us. Whenever they got an opportunity, they weakened Jammu and Kashmir by eroding Article 370,” he said.
Recalling his meetings with former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, Dr Farooq said Rao had publicly assured that the Centre would address the shortcomings concerning Article 370 and had even declared that “the sky is the limit.”
“He asked about independence, but I told him we never asked for independence. We are part of this country and want to strengthen that relationship, not weaken it. Unfortunately, those promises were never implemented,” he said.
Dr Farooq said the biggest challenge between New Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir remained the lack of mutual trust.
Recalling a meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the COVID-19 pandemic, he said he had openly told the Prime Minister that trust needed to be rebuilt first.
“I told him in front of everyone that the sad reality is that we do not trust you and you do not trust us. First we must create this trust,” he said.
Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s statement that the Centre wanted to reduce the distance between Delhi and Kashmir, Dr Farooq questioned what progress had actually been made.
“We are also human beings. We are also the crown of India. We have our own dignity. We are only asking for respect and our constitutional rights through peaceful means,” he said.
The NC president said the party had repeatedly engaged with the Centre through dialogue but regretted that assurances remained unfulfilled.
“We met many times. We received many promises. Unfortunately, I do not know where those promises disappeared,” he said.
Without naming anyone, Dr Farooq accused some political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir of acting at the behest of New Delhi.
“There are leaders who say one thing in Delhi and another here. They work according to instructions they receive from there. If you truly love Jammu and Kashmir and its people, then leave slavery and stand with your own people,” he said.
He alleged that some politicians were compromising the dignity of Jammu and Kashmir for personal interests.
“I feel sorry when I read their statements. Are contracts and personal benefits worth selling the honour of your own people?” he asked.
Defending the Omar Abdullah-led government, Dr Farooq rejected criticism that the administration had failed to deliver.
“In these difficult circumstances, no government could have done more than what we are trying to do. We are improving schools, colleges, hospitals and roads despite the obstacles being created,” he said.
Dr Farooq also alleged that attempts had been made over the years to weaken the National Conference by engineering defections, recalling similar political developments in 1984 and later years.
“They tried to buy people and break us then, and they continue trying even today. But they did not succeed. Those who fight against the poor can never succeed,” he said.
Calling for a peaceful movement, Dr Farooq said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were not asking for anything beyond what rightfully belonged to them.
“Our demand is simple. We are asking for our rights. Return our rights. Only then can lasting peace return to Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He appealed to party workers and the people to remain united and continue their struggle peacefully, expressing confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.
“The time has come to stand together. Whether young or old, everyone must unite. God willing, we will achieve what is rightfully ours,” Dr Farooq said. (JKNS)
