‘NC biggest obstacle to J&K’s progress’

Budgam, Jun 12: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minority Morcha National President Jamal Siddiqui on Friday accused the National Conference (NC) of hindering Jammu and Kashmir’s development and integration with the rest of the country.
Reacting to the NC’s proposed Jantar Mantar protest seeking restoration of statehood, Siddiqui said the party had isolated J&K in the past and remained a major barrier to its progress.
The remarks come amid renewed political debate over Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, with the NC pressing for its restoration while the BJP highlighting post-2019 security, infrastructure, and connectivity gains in the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, Siddiqui, while reacting to the NC’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar seeking restoration of statehood, said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed the condition in which the NC had left the region.
“They had kept Jammu and Kashmir isolated from the rest of the country and cut off from our brothers and sisters across India. It took immense efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP workers to unite Jammu, Kashmir, and the rest of the nation,” he said.
Siddiqui said that the distances and divides that once existed have disappeared and alleged that the NC could not tolerate the growing integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country.
“I believe the biggest stumbling block in the path of Jammu and Kashmir’s development is the NC and the Abdullah family. The people should remove this obstacle as soon as possible. If this hurdle is removed, Jammu and Kashmir can truly progress and realise its potential as paradise on earth,” he said.
The BJP leader congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as efforts to bring Jammu and Kashmir into the mainstream.
Referring to security and infrastructure developments, Siddiqui said incidents of stone-pelting and frequent shutdowns due to terrorism had declined significantly.
He said major improvements had been made in road, rail, and air connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir.
“With the construction of tunnels and bridges, road connectivity has improved considerably. Rail infrastructure has seen major development, and Vande Bharat trains are operating in the region. Air travel facilities have also improved, helping connect Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country,” he said.
Commenting on the situation in PoK, where civilians have reportedly come under attack, Siddiqui condemned the targeting of innocent people.
“I condemn it. The Prime Minister has won the hearts of the people and effectively countered attempts to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir through terrorism. Those conspiracies are gradually failing,” he said.
Appealing to the youth, Siddiqui urged them to embrace development, education, employment, and trade, saying these were the key to ensuring lasting peace and prosperity.
“I appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to follow the path of peace and development. By doing so, they can contribute to the progress of their families, Jammu and Kashmir and the nation,” he said. (KNO)