Dr Farooq slams Centre over “broken promises”

Srinagar, Jul 11: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday accused successive governments in New Delhi of repeatedly breaking promises made to Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing National Conference workers on the occasion of 26th death anniversary of Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah (Madar-e-Meharban) at Hazratbal, Dr Farooq, recalled assurances given by former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao on Article 370 and his own interactions with different Prime Ministers, saying the trust deficit between Delhi and Kashmir had only widened despite repeated commitments.
Dr Farooq said every government in New Delhi since 1947 had promised justice to Jammu and Kashmir but failed to fulfil those assurances.
He alleged that whenever the Centre found an opportunity, it weakened Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional position by eroding Article 370.
Recalling his meetings with former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, Dr Farooq said Rao had publicly assured that the Centre would address the shortcomings relating to Article 370, famously stating that “the sky is the limit.” “We never asked for independence. We are a part of this country and we want to strengthen it, not weaken it,” he said.
Dr Farooq said the biggest challenge today was the absence of trust between New Delhi and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Recalling a meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the constitutional changes, Dr Farooq said he had candidly told the Prime Minister that both Delhi and Kashmir lacked trust in each other and that rebuilding confidence should be the first priority.
“He spoke about reducing the distance between Delhi and Kashmir, but I do not see that distance reducing even today,” he said.
Dr Farooq said the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserved the same dignity and respect as every other citizen of the country.
“We are also human beings. We are also the crown of India. We also have our dignity,” he said.
Supporting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks on statehood, Dr Farooq said National Conference leaders have repeatedly raised Jammu and Kashmir’s concerns with the Centre, but the promises made over the years have remained unfulfilled.
He said the party had not lost hope and would continue its peaceful and democratic struggle for the restoration of the people’s rights.
Taking a swipe at political rivals, Dr Farooq alleged that some leaders spoke differently in Delhi and differently before the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He accused them of acting at the Centre’s behest and urged them to stand with the people instead of pursuing personal interests.
Questioning their commitment, he asked whether they were prepared to compromise the dignity of Jammu and Kashmir for personal gains and contracts.
Rejecting criticism of the Omar Abdullah-led government, Dr Farooq said no government could have achieved more under the prevailing circumstances.
He said the administration was working continuously to improve schools, colleges, hospitals, roads and other public infrastructure despite several constraints.
Dr Farooq alleged that repeated attempts had been been made to weaken the National Conference, recalling the events of 1984 and similar political developments after the 2014 elections.
He said such efforts had failed in the past and would fail again.
Dr Farooq said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were not asking for charity but demanding restoration of what rightfully belonged to them. “We are not beggars. We are asking for our right. Give us back our rights,” he said.
He said lasting peace could only be achieved through justice, dignity and fulfilment of the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, expressing confidence that the ongoing democratic struggle would ultimately succeed. (KNO)