Protecting state’s interests high on our agenda: Dr Farooq

National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Friday asserted that protecting the unity, integrity of state was the primary goal of the party besides materialising the idea of a welfare state as enshrined in Naya Kashmir document.

Addressing delegations, individuals at his residence, Farooqsaid, “The primary goal of the party is to protect the territorial integrity,identity, special status and the pluralistic visage of the state. The party hasalways rendered immense sacrifices for the protection of the interests of ourstate. However, the situation we are facing today is far more perilous. Forcesagainst the special constitutional position of the state are contriving therelevel best to obliterate Art 370, Art 35-A; however our party will not allowany such gambit to materialize. The party will continue to tread the path thatwas taken by it in 1931. Our agenda is pretty clear and unambiguous; it is towork towards the socio, political and economic emancipation of the people ofthe state. Our vision of development is not impaired by the bug of fanaticism,bigotry and regionalism. We have traditionally worked for the every section ofthe society. We will continue to work with the same passion.”

   

While instilling confidence into the party workers, partypresident said that Art 370, Art 35-A were the articles of faith for the party.”The articles are as necessary and pivotal for Jammu and Ladakh regions as theyare for Kashmir. These articles besides sanctifying the constitutional bondbetween the state and the centre protect the rich culture of all the regions ofthe state. Above and beyond that the articles protect the exclusive right ofthe people living in all the regions of the state in jobs, scholarships. If thearticles are done away with, the youth of the state notwithstanding whichregion of the state they belong to will be snatched of their exclusive rightover the jobs, scholarships in the state. Moreover the local youth of the statewill find it very difficult to get admissions in the colleges and universitiesof the state. However, if we continue to forge unity amongst ourselves no onewould dare to touch it. The need of the hour calls for joining our efforts forthe protection of the special status of the state. The way people have reposedtheir faith in the party during the parliament elections shows that the peopleof the state deem it able to shoulder the mission of protecting the interestsof the state. I am sure with the active support of people the party will put upa strong front against those forces are hell bent to destroy the identity ofthe state.”

Party president maintained that the state of J&K belongsto its people. “The people of the state are the lawful owners of this land. Forpast five years we didn’t see the central government do any thing towardsbringing rapprochement and reconciliation in the state. The people friendlyprogrammes and measures initiated by the Omar Abdullah led government were outrightly put into a chasm by the former BJP-PDP government and the BJP ledcentral government. However I am hopeful that the new dispensation at thecentre will heal the wounds of the people of the state in particular the peopleof valley. Meantime I am hopeful that the central government will startmeaningful dialogue with the neighbouring country. Such a measure will bringrespite to the people living along the LOC and international border. Theresumption of talks between India and Pakistan will help the people of ourstate to live a better life free of insecurity and tension. I am hopeful thatthe new dispensation at the centre will use its massive mandate to usher in anera of peace in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. We in our party will continueto impress upon the central government to engage with the neighbouring country.Internally too, centre should initiate talks with all the stake holders.”

Referring to the restoration of autonomy he said, “We firmlybelieve that restoration of the autonomy will satiate the development and otherneed of the all the regions of the state. In this direction our party hadalready got the recommendations of the state autonomy committee passed by thelegislative assembly with 2/3rd majority. We believe restoring autonomy to thestate will clean the cobwebs of mistrust between the centre and the statebesides providing for the local needs of the people across the state.”

Underscoring the need of delegating more administrativepowers to all the sub-regions of the state he said that once in power the partywill give autonomies to the far-flung areas of the state. “De-centralizationand strengthening of local civic bodies forms the core of our agenda, once inpower we will ensure speedy and effective de-centralization of theadministrative powers in the state.”Among others party vice president Omar Abdullah,general secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar, provincial president Nasir AslamWani, senior leader Muhammad Shafi Uri, Abdul Rahim Rathar, Choudhary MuhammadRamzan; zonal presidents, district presidents and other party functionarieswere present on the occasion.

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