News Analysis India

Tag: Farooq Abdullah

  • Jammu and Kashmir youths taking to drug out of unemployment and frustration: Farooq Abdullah

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday accused the Jammu and Kashmir administration of being indifferent to the plight of the youths of the Union Territory, who, he claimed, were turning to drugs out of joblessness and ensuing frustration.

    The NC president, who is also the Srinagar MP, made the allegation while interacting with party workers who had called on him at his residence here.

    The visiting delegation apprised the party president of various issues concerning the people, particularly youths.

    “The J&K youths are sinking under the weight of the incumbent administration’s indifference,” said Abdullah.

    He also told the visiting delegation that the August 5, 2019 decision of revoking J&K’s special status has adversely affected the local educated and skilled youths.

    “The mounting evidence is in the form of widespread and scathing unemployment and job losses resulting in their continuing alienation and frustration,” he said.

    The NC president said the incumbent administration’s “lack of interest” in the needs of youths has also incurred a cost in terms of their physical and mental health.

    “Youths are a major part of our demographics but regrettably this promising chunk of the J&K population is living in frustration, unemployment, and insecurity. Despite having the best of capabilities, our youths from Kashmir, Chenab, and Pirpanjal and Jammu regions are uniformly caught in a vortex.”

    Mired by hopelessness and anxiety, our youths are taking to drug addiction and substance abuse.

    “The situation is very grim and our youths are living the grimmest nightmare, one which brings new government diktats seeking to deprive them of their land rights, natural resources, livelihood and freedom. There has been no respite,” he said.

    Abdullah said there is a great need to come up with a youth project that seeks to relocate and rejuvenate the disenfranchised energies of our youths.

    Terming unemployment as the most alarming issue faced by youths, he said, “The much-touted promises of local and central governments on extravaganza, investment and fast-tracking of recruitment has fallen flat.”

    “On the contrary, unemployment in all J&K regions has seen a manifold increase which also had a cascading effect on other social and health issues particularly of our youths,” he said.

    He said the NC remains committed to the revision and revival of the youth policy that will create a situation wherein the J&K youths will get education and employment and remain free from drug abuse, sectarianism and communalism.

  • National Conference will contest elections whenever they are held in J&K: Farooq Abdullah

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said his party is committed to the struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and special status but will contest elections whenever they are held in the union territory.

    He was speaking to reporters after paying his respects at NC founder and his father Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s mausoleum at Naseem Bagh here on his 39th death anniversary.

    The Centre had abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution and divided Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories on August 5, 2019.

    ​ALSO READ | All is not well in Jammu and Kashmir: Farooq Abdullah on violence against elected representatives

    Article 370 granted special status to the erstwhile state.

    Abdullah said the NC is committed to the struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and special status.

    “We don’t know when elections will be held, but we are clear about it. We will contest elections whenever they are held in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

    On the Taliban taking control of Afghanistan, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said he hoped that they will respect human rights and seek friendly relations with all countries.

    “The Taliban have taken over, and now they have to nurture the country. I hope that they (will) do justice with all,” Abdullah said.

    “They should seek friendly relations with all countries,” he said.

  • All is not well in Jammu and Kashmir: Farooq Abdullah on violence against elected representatives

    By PTI

    JAMMU: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday debunked the BJP’s claim about “all is well in Jammu and Kashmir”, saying if that is actually the case, why are its activists being killed in militancy violence.

    Addressing a day-long interactive session with National Conference functionaries of Jammu Province at the Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan, Abdullah dwelt upon the overall scenario and also discussed party affairs with senior colleagues.

    He made a reference to the acts of violence against elected representatives and called for adequate security to those elected to panchayat raj institutions.

    “Their security should not be jeopardised,” Abdullah cautioned.

    The NC president said the people, especially the youth, are faced with numerous problems as the promises made to them have proved to be a hoax.

    “Unemployment is on the rise, and the educated unemployed are undergoing a phase of despair. The is a need to arrest this trend,” he added.

    Abdullah, however, expressed optimism about things changing for the better in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the National Conference has to play a vital role in this regard.

    He called for further rejuvenating the party at the grassroots level and enhancing public outreach.

    He said the National Conference cadre has to get further activated to meet the challenges.

    “We are passing through the most difficult times, and there is a crucial need of maintaining guard against polarising forces by upholding our unity,” Abdullah said, adding that division of the society is inimical to our glorious ethos.

  • National Conference will win next assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir: Farooq Abdullah

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah Tuesday asserted his party will win the next assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, indicating for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 that his party would participate in the polls.

    “We will win and I am telling you this with authority that if they conduct polls in a free and fair manner, then the National Conference will be the biggest party here,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event titled ‘Parliamentary outreach programme for the empowerment Panchayati Raj institutions in Jammu and Kashmir’.

    The National Conference (NC) chief, who represents the Srinagar parliamentary constituency, however, regretted his party’s non-participation in the 2018 panchayat polls and the 2019 Block Development Council elections.

    “Our party did not contest the polls and I regret it. We should have (contested) and we will in the future God willing,” the veteran politician said.

    Advising sarpanches and panches, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha also present on the dais, Abdullah asked them to remain in touch with people and listen to their problems, and not behave like bureaucrats who, he said, do not come to the rescue of people.

    Expressing anguish over government officials of the Jammu and Kashmir administration not responding to phone calls of people, Abdullah requested Sinha to instruct them to answer calls.

    “I have this complaint with the government officials that they do not pick up their phones as if some ghost is hanging upon them,” he said.

    Abdullah said he picks up anybody’s call because as a doctor he feels that the caller may be in some kind of distress.

    “I do not ask him which religion or party he belongs to. I think of him as a human in whose heart God resides,” he said.

    Abdullah added soon a government will be formed in J&K which will make the officers accountable.

    Later on, talking to the reporters, he said the bureaucrats would be held accountable.

    “They will be accountable tomorrow for what they have done.

    Today, they think of themselves as kings, but they are not kings, they are the servants of people who have to work for the people,” he said.

    The function was also attended by union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Prahlad Patel and Minister of State for Education Annapurna Devi.

  • Regret that my party didn’t participate in panchayat polls: Farooq Abdullah

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah Tuesday expressed regret that his party didn’t participate in the 2018 panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

    The National Conference had not participated in the panchayat polls held in September 2018 and also boycotted the Block Development Council (BDC) polls held in 2019 after the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

    Speaking at the parliamentary outreach programme for strengthening Parliamentary Raj Institutions (PRIs), Abdullah exuded confidence that soon a government will be formed in J&K which will make officials answerable to people.

    Requesting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who was present on the dais, for providing security to panchayat leaders, Abdullah said they are being targeted by terrorists.

    “The politicians who are standing with the country are target of the terrorists and it is for the country to protect them,” he said.

    Talking about local polls held in September 2018, the National Conference leader said, “I regret that my party didn’t participate in panchayat polls”.

    Abdullah expressed his anguish that government officials of the Jammu and Kashmir administration “don’t pick phones as if some ghost is hanging upon them”.

    He requested Sinha to instruct officials to answer phone calls of people.

    “Soon a government will be formed in Jammu and Kashmir which will make government officials answerable to the people,” Abdullah said.

  • Gupkar resolution urges Modi government to restore Article 370

    Express News Service

    SRINAGAR:  The Gupkar Alliance on Tuesday passed resolution, demanding the restoration of Article 370.

    The joint declaration said the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A has created a big political void and deep uncertainty in J&K, and asserted nothing substantial has emerged after PM Modi’s Dilli ki Doori and Dil ki Doori slogan during the all-party meeting in June.

    The top leadership and second rung leaders and workers of the six-party alliance met at Farooq Abdullah’s Gupkar residence in Srinagar for the first time after formation of the grouping in October 2020.

    Over 100 party workers and second rung leaders of Gupkar Alliance constituent parties attended the meeting during which PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Farooq Abdullah and Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami reiterated their commitment to fighting for the abrogated articles’ restoration.

    They also said that “It is most unfortunate that judicial challenges against abrogation of Article 370 continue to remain pending before Supreme Court even after two years”. 

    “The suppression of civil liberties and democratic rights continues unabated.  

    Attack on democratic rights under draconian laws like UAPA/PSA continues as hundreds of people remain under detention without even charges being framed.

    New orders are being passed like non-clearance for passports and government services to anyone involved in ‘law and order’ or ‘stone pelting cases’.  

    This negates the principle of natural justice by equating a police report with being guilty and being denied all these services,” the joint resolution of the alliance read.

  • Jammu & Kashmir: Gupkar alliance likely to meet on Tuesday at Farooq Abdullah’s residence

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: The People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration is likely to meet here on Tuesday to discuss the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, and have wider consultations on the way forward. The PAGD is an alliance of six mainstream political parties seeking the restoration of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was revoked by the Centre in August 2019.

    A leader said the meeting will take place at alliance chairman Farooq Abdullah’s residence at Gupkar here at 11 am. “This meeting will be a different one from the earlier ones. This time it is not only the top leadership of the constituent parties which has been invited for consultations but the middle rung leadership as well,” he said.

    The leader said that it has been left to the alliance parties to select the party leaders for the meeting. “The participants will be from the length and breadth of the Valley and we expect around 150-200 leaders to take part in the meeting,” he said.

    He said that the meeting has been called to discuss the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir and “have wider consultations on various issues”. “It (the meeting) will discuss the way forward and it is the first such attempt in the Kashmir valley by the alliance to get a broader perspective on the issues. We wanted to have this kind of consultation before but various factors like Covid prevented such a gathering,” the leader added.

  • Farooq Abdullah condemns killing of 3-year-old in grenade attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: National Conference president and Member of Parliament Farooq Abdullah on Saturday condemned the killing of a three-year-old child in a grenade attack by militants on a BJP leader’s house in Rajouri on Thursday.

    He expressed sympathies with the bereaved family.

    “Violence in all its forms and manifestations brings countless miseries to people. I express my unison within the bereaved family; pray for strength to bear this inconsolable loss and fast recovery to all the others who have sustained injuries in this despicable act of violence,” he said.

    Party’s vice president Omar Abdullah while denouncing the attack said the vicious circle of violence must stop now.

    “I condemn the heinous and despicable act that shows contempt for innocent lives. The vicious circle of violence must stop now. The perpetrators of the attack must be held accountable and be brought to justice,” Omar said.

    Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) led by Sajad Lone also condemned the attack.

    “We unequivocally condemn the dastardly killing of a 4-year-old in a senseless attack on the family of Jasbir Singh. The attack on mainstream workers for their political affiliations is the worst violation of human rights. Such killings only add to our collective suffering,” the JKPC said on Twitter.

    A three-year-old child was killed and six members of BJP leader Jasbir Singh’s family were injured in the grenade attack on his house in Khandli area of the district on Thursday night.

  • Remain cautious about nefarious communal designs of anti J-K forces: Farooq Abdullah to people

    By PTI
    SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday asked the people to remain cautious about the “nefarious communal designs” of anti-Jammu and Kashmir forces, saying the regional harmony and brotherhood is the key to the development of the region.

    Addressing a delegation of noted personalities, politicians and socio-political activists from Jammu at his residence here, Abdullah said J-K is suffering from political, developmental and economic maladies, which have been compounded by the ongoing Covid pandemic.

    “The communal forces of the country are taking the region towards a dangerous situation by perusing narrow and divisive brand of politics,” he said, adding people need to remain cautious about the “nefarious communal designs of anti J-K forces”.

    ALSO READ | Omar Abdullah speaks up against Jammu and Kashmir Police order on security clearance

    Abdullah, who is the Member of Parliament form Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, said there has been no effort to leverage J-K’s potential to widen its prosperity as well as social security of its populace.

    “Every single opportunity has been left unutilised to alleviate people’s sufferings. The administration is living in denial,” he said.

    “With such a bleak record on economy, development, job creation, justice, equality, equity, and respecting federalism, it is no wonder that the communal forces will unleash the spectre of communalism.

    “We all have to pose this question to us as to what that ugly communal politics foretells for Jammu and Kashmir. While the macro picture of J-K is alarming, that of Jammu region is no different,” he added.

    Abdullah said his party has long been advocating joining of diverse streams of thoughts to form a “mighty river” of progress and advancement.

    “We have had enough of it. Now is the time to join our efforts to put the country, particularly JK on the path of progress. Our vision is not blinkered; we see our people irrespective of their caste, creed and religion,” he added.

    The NC president said the region is on a tipping point of history that demands people to work unitedly to secure a promising future for future generations.

    “We all irrespective of our linguistic, regional, religious affiliations have to protect the unique constitutional position and the individuality of our socio-cultural and political system.”

    “NC will continue to fight for political empowerment of the last person living in Gurez, Rajouri, Bani-Basouli and Kishtwar. We will continue with our struggle in a constitutional and peaceful manner,” he said.

  • Farooq Abdullah calls for sustained, result-oriented Indo-Pakistan dialogue process

    By PTI
    SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah Sunday called for a sustained and result-oriented Indo-Pak dialogue process, saying the two countries should realise they cannot win a war against each other.

    Addressing party functionaries at two separate meetings at Laamad and Devsar in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, the Srinagar Lok Sabha MP asked both the countries to be consistent, coherent and serious in their nascent engagement.

    He asked the two countries to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh live a life free from “unending miseries”.

    Stressing there is no substitute to dialogue, the NC president said the recent moves and the messages indicating a thaw in the relations between the neighbouring countries have put brakes on the escalating tensions.

    “For the entire chest-thumping, both the countries cannot win a war against each other. The sooner both the neighboring countries realise the ground reality the better.

    “The more serious, coherent and consistent both the nations are in settling all outstanding areas of disagreements, the better it will be for early return of lasting peace and stability to Jammu and Kashmir and the entire region,” he said.

    Emphasising the need for a result-oriented dialogue between the two countries, Abdullah said it will benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir the most.

    “Both the nations, I have maintained all along, have to live side by side. It is up to them, if they want to live as enemies or supportive friends and partners in development. Both countries can achieve much by joining hands in progress,” he said.

    The former chief minister said if the ties between the two nations are to improve then they have to come out of their “shells” and narrow down their differences and source of conflict to get together on the table to work towards an environment that recognises the concept of J-K’s historical individuality, uniqueness of its sociopolitical complexes and the restoration of its political dignity and historical selfhood.

    Lending his party’s support to the peace and camaraderie between the two neighbours, he said the NC has all along been a strong votary of Indo-Pak dialogue.

    “There is no substitute to dialogue. But the dialogue should result in J-K centric CBMs (confidence-building measures) including the resumption of cross-LoC trade through a proper banking mechanism and doing away with the present barter system.

    “Such J-K centric CBMs will indeed help the two neighbouring countries solve their disagreements amicably and in an objective manner for the greater good of the people of JK, Ladakh and the entire region,” he said.

    He also asked the party workers to draw lessons from the worrying disadvantages of disunity and impressed upon them to work towards strengthening democracy and the party.

    “The last person out there in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh is looking up to us with sheer optimism that we will salvage the entire region from murderous manifestations of communalism, and regionalism and to catapult the people from the prevailing economic distress, and instability,” he said.