‘India, Pak need to come closer’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 22: A day after Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said retrieving Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) is next on the agenda, National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah today said nothing could be achieved by holding threats and instead both India and Pakistan need to come closer to remove hatred from their hearts with love.
The former Chief Minister welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to repeal the three contentious farm laws and said “I am hopeful that they will hear the voice of hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and restore Statehood along with the eroded autonomy if they really want to address ‘Dil ki Doori and Dilli Ki Doori’.”
The Union Minister, addressing the ‘Mirpur Balidan Diwas’ programme dedicated to PoJK displaced persons in New Delhi on Sunday, said the leadership which has the capacity and the will to abrogate Article 370, also has the capacity to retrieve PoJK from the illegal occupation of Pakistan.
“…I have been repeatedly saying that India and Pakistan had to talk (for peace in J&K). Threats are being held out that we will take this thing or that which cannot solve the issue. When they can talk to China which had entered into our territory and constructing villages, why cannot they talk to them (Pakistan) who are across the border,” Abdullah told reporters at Digiana Ashram where he had gone to inquire about the health of Mahant Manjeet Singh.
Insisting on the dialogue between India and Pakistan, Dr Abdullah said “neither we have to give something nor can take anything. We have to work to set this line (Line of Control) right so that there is easy travel and trade on both sides. Those people who are on the other side of the line are our own.”
The National Conference leader said when the people on both sides come and go, the hatred in the hearts will be replaced by love which will pave way for peace in the region.
Dr Abdullah was responding to a question about the recent incidents of targeted killings, saying “this (militancy) is not a new thing for Jammu and Kashmir but once the hearts are won, the issue will be addressed.”
Welcoming the Prime Minister’s decision to repeal the three Farm laws, he said the Government should also work to bring down the soaring prices of petrol and diesel to allow the people of the country to heave a sigh of relief.
Asked about the demands for restoration of abrogation of Article 370 following repealing of the Agri laws by the Centre, he said “I am hopeful that they (BJP Government) will hear the voice of the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Prime Minister had himself said that he wanted to remove ‘Dil ki Doori and Dilli Ki Doori’ (while chairing an All Party Meeting of J&K leaders in June). If they really want to address the gap, it is imperative for them to restore Statehood and also return the autonomy which was eroded.”
About upcoming Assembly elections, Dr Abdullah said “National Conference is ready for it even if it is declared today but claimed that BJP is not going to rule J&K ever.”
When asked that BJP has set a target of 50 plus seats to form the next Government in Jammu and Kashmir, he said “they can do it only if they tamper the voting machines or use Police and Army to cast bogus votes.
“One thing I want to make clear today is that BJP will never rule J&K. They will not even retain the number of seats which it had won in the last Assembly elections. They have to give answer to the people for their oppressive measures, growing unemployment and shortage of oxygen in hospitals during peak COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
Abdullah, a Member Parliament from Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, said he raised the issue of oxygen shortage in J&K in the Parliament.
“Did you think the people will forget that? Look at the condtion of the roads even as they claim they are spending huge amount for the development of J&K. Where has the money gone? The daily wagers are not being paid their monthly dues,” he said.
“Today the unemployment in J&K is the highest in the country and inflation is touching the sky because of the rising prices of petrol and diesel,” he said requesting the Government to bring the fuel prices under control to provide relief to the poor people.
Asked when he is expecting the report of Delimitation Commission which will be followed by elections as per the statement of Home Minister Amit Shah, Dr Abdullah said the final meeting is yet to be called.
“How come they complete the report without having the final meeting with the five Members of Parliament from J&K (three NC and two BJP)? They have not called us so far,” he said.
On the killing of four persons in the controversial encounter in Hyderpora area of Srinagar on November 15, Dr Abdullah said “we want a judicial inquiry into the incident to unveil the truth.”
“The administration has ordered a Magisterial probe into the incident but the officer can come under pressure of the Government. We do not have people who can stand up within the system and speak the truth,” he said.
He also expressed his resentment against the policy of terminating the services of daily wagers and said “it is totally wrong. The Government should come out with a proper policy to rehabilitate the daily wagers, otherwise the situation is going to be out of contol.”
Earlier, interacting with the Sikh leaders, Dr Abdullah stressed on the need for unity and maintaining brotherhood and said “if we have to save J&K and this country, we need to stand united against the hatred and polarization.”
“The agitating farmers stood united despite numerous challenges and gave a lot of sacrifice, those who were claiming that they are not going to change the line have been forced to repeal the laws,” he said.
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