Alliance to save J&K: Farooq

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 4: Stressing the importance of unity, National Conference (NC) president and former Member of Parliament Dr Farooq Abdullah said today that the ‘hand’ must guide the ‘plough’-referring to the symbols of the NC and Congress-to save J&K and keep divisive forces at bay.

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Addressing a public rally in Anantnag’s Dooru, which was also attended by Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with other top leaders, Abdullah said that the alliance has been formed to end the hardships faced by the people.
“We are fortunate to be alive today; otherwise, if left to them, the rulers in Delhi would not have wanted us to survive. We did not forge this alliance solely for power; we also want to alleviate the hardships people are enduring,” he said.
Abdullah emphasized that the pride once felt by the people of J&K is now lost, and to regain it, “we must be united. We should not differentiate between the ‘hand’ and the ‘plough’. Both must work together, with the ‘hand’ guiding the ‘plough’,” he added.
He noted that life has become difficult for people, citing unemployment, rising prices, and the presence of officers who, he claimed, are unfamiliar with local issues. He stressed the need to protect J&K from “thieves.”
“All the officers are from outside; how would they understand the problems of Shahbad Dooru? To address these issues, we have formed this alliance because only through unity can we protect J&K from these thieves who are attempting to create a communal divide,” he said.
He highlighted the sacrifices made by the NC and Congress for what he termed a “greater cause.”
“Stay united to defeat those who seek to divide the country. I have never heard of a State becoming a UT; it was done to finish us. We are a Muslim-majority State, and they aim to end that. I urge all my workers to stay united and collaborate with Congress workers,” he said.
Abdullah warned of powerful divisive forces, urging people to vote on election day to safeguard themselves.
“The devil is among us, and they will try to mislead you. They have money and power. To protect yourselves, you must come out and vote. Bring everyone out, even patients, and make them vote for a better tomorrow,” he said.
He concluded, “If you don’t, be prepared for a catastrophe. Look at what’s happening in UP-Muslim homes and mosques are being bulldozed. To save the country, we must strengthen Rahul Gandhi. Hold his hand.”