* ‘People suffering due to non-governance’
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 24: National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah today said granting autonomy is the only “pragmatic solution” to the decades-old problem of Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is high time for the Government of India to implement the resolution of autonomy (passed by State Legislative Assembly in 2000).
“It is the only pragmatic solution to the age-old problem. J&K is a unique State and needs special dispensation in terms of regional autonomy to satisfy the needs of the State,” said Omar, addressing a provincial meet of party functionaries here.
The former Chief Minister said the situation in the Valley is turning grave by the day.
“Every day we hear news about killings, encounters, crackdowns, CASOs across the State. South (Kashmir) was already boiling but now even Srinagar is witnessing massive gunfights, crackdowns. It seems the Government has lost its writ over the situation in Kashmir,” he said.
Omar said the people in the State are suffering due to non-governance, development deficit and lack of accountability.
“The situation on ground is a mess and the security scenario has deteriorated. The youths of Kashmir are at the receiving end of all this. Every day innocent civilians come in the line of fire. What happened in Kulgam where seven civilians were killed is a grim reminder of how bad the situation is. What is adding salt to the injury is the laid back attitude of Central Government,” he said.
Expressing his concern on the Union Government’s “ambiguous stand” on Article 35-A of the Constitution, he said the National Conference would not allow anyone to fiddle with the special provision.
Omar said that National Conference will continue to hold aloof the torch of amity and brotherhood in the State. “Our State is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicity, with a unique socio-political baggage. Our party has and will resist any attempt aimed at fiddling with State’s special status or dividing the State on communal lines,” he added.
Expressing his concern on ambiguity of GoI on Art 35 A, he said that NC would not allow anyone to fiddle with Article 35-A.
Omar maintained that National Conference has worked for the socio-political emancipation of downtrodden in an unbiased manner without much fanfare and slogan mongering. “Our development agenda is inclusive encompassing all corners of our state.”
Meanwhile, matters concerning the party were discussed at the meeting, which was attended by party general secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar, Additional General Secretary Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani, senior leaders, state secretaries, Central secretaries, Zone Presidents, district presidents, Constituency in-charges and members of the provincial committee.
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