Restore statehood to J&K without further delay: Vakil

PC leader AG Vakil addressing workers in Nowpora Rafiabad on Sunday.
PC leader AG Vakil addressing workers in Nowpora Rafiabad on Sunday.

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 31: Former minister and senior leader of People’s Conference, Abdul Gani Vakil today reminded Government of India to stay to its promise of restoring statehood in J&K without any further delay and said that it was surprising that the Govt was not fulfilling its promise made in the Parliament till now.
“Both Prime Minister and Home Minister have committed to the people of J&K on different occasions that statehood will be restored but dilly delaying tactics are alienating people. Delimitation and elections should not be a condition to restore statehood. Restoration of statehood to J&K is not charity, it is the right of the people and nobody will be allowed to snatch the rights of people at any cost,” Vakil asserted.
“Article 370 was the bridge between J&K and the Centre. It was the reason for the emotional attachment between the two. People’s Conference will struggle for the restoration of Art 370 through peaceful means and dialogue,” Vakil said while addressing the workers convention in Nowpora Rafiabad today.
Vakil lambasted the Government for not fulfilling the promise to provide employment to the educated youth of J&K. No doubt big statements are issued for providing jobs to educated youth. Government of India need to revisit their Kashmir policy, vis- a- vis youth of the Jammu and Kashmir is concerned rather than rehabilitating them youth of the J&K particularly Kashmir valley are being humiliated, Vakil added.
Vakil claimed that People’s Conference is committed to create spaces for youth to participate and be a part of the decision making for their future. He said that active and meaningful participation of the youth is imperative to address the challenges that have an impact on them and their future.
Vakil highlighted the measures that the party intends to take in order to channelise the energies of the younger generation and accord them an important role in shaping the society. He underscored the need for creating sports facilities and culture in J&K for the youth so that the youth of J&K have multiple avenues to compete and develop a fighting spirit.
Senior leaders Peerzada GN Shah, Sheikh Ghulam Qadir, BDC Chairman Ghulam Mohammad Mir, Youth president Rafiabad Umar Rashid and Tasleema Akhtar also spoke on the occasion.