Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 9: Following the Assembly election results, as celebrations continue at the residence of the Abdullahs, the sons of former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Vice-President Omar Abdullah said today that the new Government will live up to the expectations of the people.
Speaking to the media, Omar’s son Zahir Abdullah called the results a “big victory,” not only for the NC but for the people of J&K.
“People are regaining representational democracy and their elected members. This is the first time people have had the opportunity to raise their voices,” he said.
He emphasized that the mandate was anticipated, and while the party is humbled by the support, “we will live up to the expectations of the people.”
In a message to the youth, Zahir said: “They must stay informed, keep up with the news, and know what’s happening around them.”
Omar’s other son, Zamir Abdullah, added that people are happy because they are finally getting a Government after 10 years. He noted that people had been “suppressed” over the years.
“For the last seven years, people have been suppressed. This is the first time they are coming to the fore. Have you ever seen people celebrating like this? It’s because they know that, for the first time, the voice of the people has come forward, through the NC,” he said.
Zamir said that he has been advocating for people’s rights during the campaign and that the same must happen.
“Now that people have chosen their Government, the Union Government should respect it and restore Statehood. We will fight for it; J&K won’t remain a Union Territory for long,” he added
When asked about who will become Chief Minister, he said: “Time will tell. The party and alliance will decide that, I have nothing to do with it.”
He also noted that people haven’t been able to express their concerns and that “a lie was spread across the country that the people of J&K were happy with what was done on August 5, 2019.”