JKUM to field candidate from Central Kashmir
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 13: J&K United Movement (JKUM) president Sheikh Ishfaq Jabar today stated that the National Conference (NC) has consistently aimed to sow division among communities, while also accusing the party of flip-flopping on Article 370.
Ishfaq, who was associated with NC before being expelled, emphasized that religion should not be mixed with politics, accusing the NC of perpetually attempting to create divisions between Gujjars and Kashmiris, Shias, and Sunnis.
“We would have welcomed it if Mian Altaf were to be fielded from Central Kashmir; NC has always adopted a divide-and-rule policy similar to that of the British, and the blind trust of the people was exploited by them, which considered Ganderbal as their political stronghold until recently,” he said.
Speaking to media persons after the party convention in the Lar area of Ganderbal district, he announced that JKUM would field its candidate for the Central Kashmir constituency ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in 2024.
“This announcement will be made on April 17, marking the 34th anniversary of Sheikh Abdul Jabbar. Our political affairs committee will convene, and the necessary decision will be made accordingly,” he said.
He added that JKUM would also decide whom to support in the North and Anantnag seats for the Lok Sabha polls.
He criticized the lack of substantial discussion on J&K in Parliament, noting that Dr. Farooq Abdullah has only asked 11 questions in the last 5 years.
“Despite being elected by the people, these MPs have been unable to fulfill their responsibilities and have remained passive observers to the challenges faced by the region.”
In response to Omar Abdullah’s recent comments about NC’s losses, Ishfaq suggested questioning him about the much larger number of deaths in J&K.
“Isn’t NC responsible for that? Did they forget about the 1987 rigging of elections which created Mohammad Yousuf to Salahuddin; Yasin Malik, who is now languishing in jail? Aren’t they responsible for it? The rigging laid the foundation for the insurgency,” he said.
Ishfaq highlighted NC’s frequent changes in stance, asking, “Aren’t they responsible for the adversities we have faced?”
He criticized NC for issuing statements according to their convenience, at times advocating for Pakistan to be bombarded and labeling stone-pelting as jihad.
“They made U-turns on Article 370 and approached the Supreme Court, knowing that the decision would not be in our favor. Have they made any compromises with Delhi on this? I have been urging them to start a peaceful movement, but they have not paid any attention to it,” he said.
Regarding the INDI alliance, he questioned whether it could return what was taken from J&K in the form of Articles 370 and 35-A. “If so, we would like to become part of it. They should pledge to restore the identity of J&K if they win. Instead, we welcome statements coming from the Defence Minister and Amit Shah on the revocation of AFSPA.”
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