Protection of peoples’ interests, prosperity remain NC’s core agenda: Dr Farooq

Srinagar, Sep 5: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Saturday said that young people are the architects of a nation’s future and that the responsibility of leading the country and society will eventually rest on their shoulders. He stressed the need to cultivate among the younger generation a spirit of public service, patriotism, commitment to the welfare of the nation and society and respect for people belonging to all sections and faiths.
He made these remarks in Beerwah, Budgam. Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the National Conference has always encouraged the youth and provided them opportunities to advance in the political and social spheres. He said this is clearly reflected in the party’s present legislators, many of whom have previously been associated with the Youth National Conference. He added that all party legislators remain closely connected with the people at the grassroots and are actively working to address their problems and difficulties.
On the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, Dr Farooq Abdullah reiterated that the National Conference remains firmly committed to its restoration and will continue its constitutional and democratic struggle towards this objective. He said that the special status was the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and that the constitutional relationship between India and Jammu and Kashmir was established within the framework of the Constitution of India through Articles 370 and 35A.
Dr Farooq alleged that, from time to time, forces outside Jammu and Kashmir, along with certain circles in Delhi, have conspired to weaken the National Conference with the aim of creating divisions within the party and weakening it through attempts to lure or buy off its members. However, he said, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have repeatedly defeated such designs.
Taking opposition parties to task, Dr Farooq said that they lacked a concrete and constructive agenda and were therefore engaged in criticism for the sake of criticism. He said the role of the opposition should be to constructively assist positive governance and raise genuine public issues, but unfortunately, this was not being witnessed.
He expressed hope that restoration of statehood would enable the government to function more effectively and with greater authority, helping reduce the difficulties faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Urging people to remain vigilant against divisive forces, Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the core agenda of the National Conference is the protection of the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, their prosperity, development and well-being.
Earlier, Dr Farooq Abdullah visited Manzhamah, Magam, where he met senior party leader and MLA Beerwah Dr Mohammad Shafi Wani to offer condolences over the demise of his pious and virtuous sister. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased, her eternal abode in Jannat-ul-Firdous and the elevation of her ranks in the Hereafter.
Dr Farooq was accompanied by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, senior leaders Peer Mohammad Hussain, Sheikh Mohammad Rafi, Professor Abdul Majeed Mattoo, Advocate Hashim Hussain and other party functionaries. (KNS)