Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 2: National Conference (NC) president and Member of Parliament, Dr Farooq Abdullah today strongly criticized the Centre for delaying the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, calling it a betrayal of promises made to the people.
Dr Abdullah made the remarks while interacting with a delegation of party functionaries from Anantnag West, led by MLA Abdul Majeed Bhat Larmi. The delegation apprised him of ongoing organizational activities, public outreach programmes, and concerns over the prevailing political situation in the Union Territory.
“One day, New Delhi will regret its decisions regarding J&K,” Dr. Abdullah said, pointing out that successive central governments had failed to win the confidence of the people due to their “security-centric approach.” He underlined that the massive voter participation in the 2024 Assembly elections reflected the people’s faith in the Indian Constitution and democracy, yet the denial of statehood undermined this trust.
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the State in August 2019, Dr Abdullah said, “The intent was projected as bringing J&K at par with the rest of the country, but the reality is quite the opposite. Instead of integration, we are being treated as an exception, placed on a lower pedestal.”
He asserted that restoring statehood was vital for rebuilding trust between the Union Government and the people of J&K. “The continued delay only erodes faith in the democratic process,” he remarked.
Calling on New Delhi to fulfill its commitments, the NC president said, “It is time for the Centre to honor its promises. This is not just about politics; it is about justice, equality and the dignity of the people.”
Dr Abdullah reiterated that the NC would continue to advocate for the rights and welfare of the people through peaceful and democratic means, with the restoration of statehood remaining at the core of its agenda.
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