Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Sept 9: Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today suggested that there could be attempts to divide the State and its people on the basis of religion and region and said his party National Conference will not allow it to happen.
“It might be in the electoral interests of other political parties to divide the state and its people on the basis of religion and region, National Conference treats the cause of amity and brotherhood in the State above and beyond the petty trappings of power and electoral machinations,” he said addressing party workers here.
The National Conference working president is on a three-day tour of Leh and Nobra areas of Ladakh region to oversee the party’s preparations for the upcoming Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections.
“National Conference is the only political binding force between Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh,” Omar said, adding the party would fight against “divisive forces” to protect the integrity and harmony of the State.
Without identifying anyone, he said “we will not allow forces inimical to the communal harmony of this State to divide the three regions by pitting them against each other.
“Jammu and Kashmir has been an example of peaceful co-existence between people of diverse religions, languages and regions and that example will have to be protected at all costs,” he said.
He said NC has never believed in divisive or opportunistic politics as “that is not in our political DNA”.
He said his party has a “glorious history in all three regions of the State and as the State is now in dire need of a unifying political bond, National Conference will rise to the occasion and come forward as a single-majority political party that has strong representation in all the three regions.”
On the occasion, Omar, the NC Working President, announced appointment of Sonam Wangdus as the party District President for Leh.
Nazir Khan was appointed as the Senior Vice President for Leh while as Tsering Motup and Ghulam Haider were appointed as Vice Presidents. Tsering Wangchuk was appointed as the District Secretary.
“It is a good beginning for the party ahead of the upcoming Hill Council elections that the party structure was revamped by empowering dedicated and committed leaders in Leh.
“I am very glad that the party set-up is back in place in Leh and I am sure this is a new and auspicious beginning not just for the party but the people of Leh as well. We will continue to work for the upliftment of far-flunged areas and will strive hard for the empowerment of the traditionally dis-empowered,” Omar added.
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