Committed on restoration of special status, Statehood demand: Farooq

NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah speaking to reporters in Srinagar on Wednesday.
NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah speaking to reporters in Srinagar on Wednesday.

‘Will contest elections when held’

Fayaz Bukhari

Srinagar, Sept 8: National Conference president and Member Parliament Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that his party will contest elections as and when they are held even as it was firm on its demand for restoration of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution and Statehood.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here on 39th death anniversary of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Farooq said that his party will participate in polls. “I don’t know when elections will take place. See National Conference is not going to remain away from elections. We have to fight elections and Inshallah (god willing) we will surely fight them,” he added.
“As far as Statehood and restoration of Articles 370 and 35A is concerned, we are resolute and there is crack. Inshallah one day we will successfully take it back,” he added.
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The NC president expressed optimism that Taliban will do justice with all and will run affairs of the country in keeping with tenets of Islam and respect human rights. “It is a separate country. Those who have come there have to look after the country”, he added.
He added: “I am hopeful that they will do justice with one and all and run a good country in keeping in view human rights and tenets of Islam. I will add that they should develop friendly ties with all countries.”
Abdullah said that his father devoted his entire life for the upliftment of the party and party will continue with that endeavor. “Sheikh Abdullah devoted entire life for uplifment of this nation and hopefully this party (NC) will continue with the endeavor and continue to do good for people,” he said.
“These days, party elections are taking place and I congratulate observers and all others connected with the process. Such exercise keeps the party alive and brings about liveliness in ranks. Also good people come to fore”, he said.
Earlier, Dr Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah today led party functionaries in offering special prayers and floral tributes at the grave of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 39th death anniversary at Hazratbal.
The party leaders while offering tributes to late Abdullah said that he was one of the titans of the freedom movement for the restoration of people’s democratic rights.
Party leaders pledged to offer every sacrifice for upholding and preserving the rights of the people of J&K. “Defending, upholding and preserving the unity of the people of J&K will be a befitting tribute to Sher-e-Kashmir”, they said.
The life and struggle of Sher-e-Kashmir, the functionaries said, was emblematic of people’s genuine aspirations and that on his anniversary the best tribute to him would be to tread the path which he had left behind for all of us to follow.
“Late Abdullah belonged to a tribe of leaders, who not just liberated the people from the shackles of bondage but also ensured even handed development of all sections of society post independence by investing heavily in gender neutral education, participatory grass roots level development”, the party leaders said during the function.