Elected govt not involved in Sidhra demolitions: Dr Farooq

Srinagar, May 22: National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday said the elected government had no involvement in the demolition drive in Jammu’s Sidhra area, asserting that the matter was under investigation.
Speaking to reporters here, Dr Abdullah, said, “We are not involved in this. Those who have done it are being investigated.”
Targeting the PDP over its criticism of the present administration, he said the party was responsible for the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A. “They finished 370 and 35A. They are responsible for the destruction of our state,” he said.
In an apparent reference to PDP leaders comparing the present system with the “Yogi model”, the former Chief Minister said, “They were the ones who made it happen. Now they are making noise here. They are taking us towards destruction. They should first look at their own families and what trouble they have brought upon the people here.”
Dr Farooq also hit out at the BJP over speculation surrounding the NC-Congress alliance, saying the saffron party was busy with its own campaigns. “BJP has nothing better to do. They have their own campaigns. We don’t have to answer for them,” he said.
He rejects reports of differences between the NC and Congress, saying attempts were being made to create confusion regarding the alliance. “Our enemies are saying all this. The alliance is already there,” he said.
Reacting to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over foreign visits, the former Chief Minister said, “That is for Rahul Gandhi and the Prime Minister to answer.”
On rising global tensions involving Iran and the United States, he expressed hope that the situation would improve soon. “I hope the war between Iran and America will end and, God willing, we will get out of this trouble,” he said. (KNO)