Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 21: National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah, today said that most of the bunkers should be removed from Kashmir and Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) be revoked from the places where it is not needed.
While speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of a function at Anantnag, Abdullah when asked about removal of an Army bunker in Handwara said that most of the bunkers should be removed.
The former Chief Minister said that AFSPA should be relooked at and wherever it is not required it should be revoked. “There is no AFSPA in Chhattisgarh where every now and then CRPF men are being killed”, he added.
Abdullah said that there should be fair probe into the alleged molestation of Handwara girl. “Whatever has happened, there should be an inquiry in which she will speak independently and statement in police custody is not valid”, he added.
Earlier, addressing party workers at a function in Anantnag to commemorate the first death anniversary of veteran National Conference leader, former Minister and four-time legislator Haji Abdul Gani Shah Veeri, Abdullah said New Delhi should put in sustained and serious efforts to address the political alienation in Kashmir and provide a hope of reconciliation and inclusiveness to the youth of the State.
“Our young men and women excel in talent, wisdom and hard-work and deserve to thrive in a political environment that nurtures their dreams. Hostility cannot be countered with denial or further hostility. New Delhi should walk the extra-mile in addressing the trust-deficit among our youth and should explore every possible opportunity to empower them as the torch-bearers of peace and progress in the State”, the former CM said.
Abdullah said National Conference was committed to strive for the political resolution of the Kashmir issue and would never shelve its demand for the restoration of Autonomy and the pre-1953 status.
“These are our principled stands and we believe this is the most feasible model of resolving the political issue and would also satisfy the aspirations of our people. Others have a right to advocate their own solutions and there is absolutely no problem with that. Any solution acceptable first and foremost to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and also to India and Pakistan will be a credible solution. While there might be differences in opinion and ideology, I doubt anyone could possibly deny the necessity of resolving the political issue”, he said.
The National Conference president asked party workers to ensure participation and empowerment of educated youth in the political processes that define the State’s future. “We should encourage the young generation to come and voice their grievances and aspirations from within the democratic system. This would be a productive medium of channelizing their passion for their State and also their commitment to stand up for the rights and dignity of their people. It’s imperative they are groomed, nurtured and empowered”, Abdullah added.
The NC president paid tributes to Veeri and highlighted his contributions to the party and his people. “Veeri Sahab was an example of selflessness and honesty and these are virtues we should all strive to emulate”, he said.
National Conference general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, additional general Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal, provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani, Party legislators Dr Bashir Ahmed Veeri, Altaf Ahmed Kaloo, Ali Mohammad Dar, Abdul Majid Bhat, Showkat Ganai and provincial spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar also addressed the workers. The function was attended by hundreds of party workers and activists.
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