‘False narrative against Art 370 stands defeated’
*Not ‘traitor’, ready to give any sacrifice for country
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Nov 20: Claiming that false narrative against Articles 370 and 35-A stands defeated, former J&K Chief Minister and top leader of National Conference, Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that he is still alive and shall certainly contest coming elections.
Addressing a large public meeting at Samba town today Farooq said, “ I’ am still alive and shall definitely contest elections.”
“After my resignation as party president, the market of speculations was quite hot that Dr Farooq Abdullah has fled the election field. But I want to give them clear message that I am still alive and shall certainly contest upcoming elections,” former J&K Chief Minister said.
Criticising attempts of polarization for vote bank politics, the top NC leader launched an attack on the BJP and said he is not a ‘traitor’ but a true nationalist who is ready to give any sacrifice for the country. Click here to watch video
“J&K is the crown of India which needs to be saved to safeguard the country,” Farooq said and questioned the Centre’s August 2019 decision of revoking Article 370 and bifurcating the erstwhile State into two Union Territories.
“We did not shake hands with Pakistan or raise slogans in its praise. We aligned with Mahatma Gandhi’s India and are proud of India being our home. The enemies within our country tried to weaken us by spreading falsehood because it was the National Conference which played a pivotal role in the accession of J&K with India,” Farooq asserted.
The former J&K Chief Minister said the conspiracies against National Conference are still continuing. “I want to make it clear that we have made numerous sacrifices for the country as we lost thousands of workers and Ministers during militancy. We have to fight them with determination and negate their propaganda. We are not traitors as we have made numerous sacrifices for this country. I will give any sacrifice for my country till my last breath,” Dr Abdullah maintained.
He said those who are dubbing them as ‘traitors’ despite sacrificing everything for the country are standing with those who were earlier standing by Pakistan.
“The elements who were supported by Pakistan have switched sides and Government are holding their hands to move around. This is their condition,” Farooq said without naming separatist-turned-mainstream politicians who are accused of being close to the BJP.
Slamming the Centre, Farooq questioned the futility of the August 5, 2019 decision and claimed even the people in Ladakh are not happy over the development.
“J&K belongs to its people. When Article 370 was revoked, they said it was meant to dismantle terrorism and separatism. National Conference fought terrorism when it formed the Government in 1996 and our workers and leaders were killed (by terrorists) because we were standing with India. They (BJP and Congress) were nowhere at that time,” Dr Abdullah questioned.
“They claimed that terrorism and separatism have finished with the abrogation of Article 370. If it is true, why Kashmiri Pandits are fleeing the Valley afresh and cannot stay there. During my rule, I did not have so much Army, CRPF, BSF and Central Industrial Security Force. They are everywhere and still there is a danger,” he regretted.
Alleging growing unemployment and skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, he said “people from outside have taken over land in Kathua and Samba is their next target.”
“You people were of the opinion that Article 370 is beneficial for Kashmir but now you understand the reality. The false narrative against Articles 370 and 35-A stands defeated. My Government provided employment to 2.50 lakh youth but all their promises have proved hoax,” Abdullah claimed.
The NC leader said dividing J&K has not made the country strong but unity among the people will help it to grow and become a powerful nation.
“If you want to save the country, remember that Jammu and Kashmir is its crown. You have to first save J&K and its people,” he added.
While appealing to the people to maintain communal harmony, Farooq said he wished for an India where there is no place for hatred and falsehood, respect for each other, no adulteration in food items and medicines.
Senior party leaders Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Rattan Lal Gupta, Babu Rampal, Ajaz Jan, Master Noor Hussain, Mushtaq Guroo, Vijay Lochan, Satwant Kour, Mohinder Singh, Abdul Gani Teli, Vijay Laxmi Dutta and others also spoke on the occasion.
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