No split in National Conference: Dr Farooq

Srinagar, Nov 6: The dissenting MLAs of the National Conference appeared to have moved closer to reconciliation with the party leadership following a two-hour-long meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and party president Dr Farooq Abdullah.
The meeting between the two sides was held at Farooq Abdullah’s Gupkar residence in Srinagar on Friday morning.
Speaking to reporters after the two-hour-long meeting, Farooq Abdullah, who addressed the media in the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the dissenting legislators, termed reports of a split within the National Conference as baseless.
“The baseless reports being spread that the National Conference is divided are completely false,” he said, adding that the NC stands united.
He said those who believe they can break the NC should understand that it has never been broken and will never be broken.
The NC president said the issues raised by the MLAs were genuine and had been given due consideration.
“Some concerns will be addressed immediately, while others will be taken up gradually,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, NC MLA Abdul Majeed Bhat alias Larmi, said the leadership had acknowledged the concerns raised by the legislators and assured them that corrective measures would be taken gradually.
“Everything has been sorted out. Whatever differences were there have been resolved,” Larmi said.
He said the meeting covered all issues raised by the legislators, including changes in ministerial portfolios, the removal of certain individuals, strengthening the party organisation, and improving coordination between elected representatives and the government.
Larmi said the implementation of the party’s election manifesto and efforts for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A were also discussed.
NC MLA Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri said the leadership had listened to the legislators’ demands and expressed hope that some issues would be addressed immediately, while others might require more time.
“Some demands will be accepted immediately, while some may take time,” Veeri said, adding that the outcome of the discussions would become clear in the coming days.
On the restoration of Article 370, Veeri said the party leadership remained committed to pursuing the issue.
He also expressed hope that concerns regarding legislators’ access to ministers and difficulties in getting constituency-related work done would be addressed. (KNO)