NC committed to steer J&K to peace, development
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Nov 21: Former J&K Chief Minister and top National Conference leader, Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that India can use G-20 presidency to engage Pakistan to address Kashmir issue and also help the world to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
“I am tired of advocating dialogue with Pakistan to be dubbed as ‘anti-national’. I’m happy that we (India) are assuming the presidency of G-20 next month and I hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be successful in ending the Russia-Ukraine war that had badly hit the economy of the world,” Farooq said at the sidelines of a joining function here.
The National Conference leader said it would be better for the global population if India is able to defuse the crisis.
“Secondly, we have a problem with our neighbouring country, Pakistan over Kashmir. There can be a possibility to seek a solution to the issue to end our hardships,” Abdullah said.
Pertinent to mention here that India will assume the G-20 presidency for a year on December 1, 2022 and chair over 200 meetings that aim to secure global economic growth and prosperity. Together, the G-20 countries represent more than 80 % of the world’s GDP, 75 per cent of international trade and 60 per cent of the world’s population.
Asked whether he favours dialogue with Pakistan, Abdullah said, “When I bat for dialogue with Pakistan, Home Minister says that they will talk to children of J&K but not Pakistan.”
“Our fight is with Pakistan and not with our children. Now, I am tired of asking for dialogue with Pakistan as they dub me as ‘anti-national’ for my statements,” Farooq said, adding one day “they (Central Government) have to hold talks with Pakistan but how it is going to happen, I do not know”.
On increase in radicalization which is evident with the daily arrest of hybrid terrorists in Kashmir by security agencies, Dr Farooq said, “there is nothing like radicalization. We are fighting a low intensity war and there is no other way”.
Abdullah, who is also an MP from Srinagar said the National Conference does not know when the Assembly elections are going to take place in Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is the decision of the Union Government and the Election Commission when they are going to hold the Assembly elections in J&K. It is my responsibility to come here, meet the public to know their problems and highlight their issues in the Parliament,” the NC leader said.
Earlier, many prominent political activists joined the National Conference in presence of Dr Farooq Abdullah during a simple function here.
Addressing the new entrants Farooq said, National Conference is natural destination for all those public spirited political activists, who want to work for political stability, unity between various religions and regions, peace and progress of all the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said joining of political leaders reflects the growing realization among the people that National Conference is the only party that can uphold their dignity and steer the J&K to a new era of peace, progress and development.
Abdullah said with the joining of political activists into the party across J&K, National Conference will be further strengthened at the grassroots level and play its designated role towards the wellbeing of the people and heralding a new era of hope.
The joining programme was organized by Asha Mehra and Naresh Anthal of district Udhampur (Rural Unit).
Those who joined the party include, Ramesh Sharma, Sunil Sharma, Sunil Mania, Mamta Mehra, Siraj Din, Haleem Khan, Mohd Shabeer and others.
Senior Party leaders present on the occasion include- Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal, addl general secretary, Ajaz Jan, Provincial president YNC Jammu, Vijay Lochan, SC Cell head, Issar Khan vice president Central Zone, Dr Shamshad Shan DDC chairperson, Vijay Laxmi Dutta, Farooq Mughal and others.
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