Omar Abdullah’s son Zameer Abdullah on Wednesday criticized the Union government, accusing it of trying to “weaken” the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and the Abdullah family and impose on the people of Jammu and Kashmir pressure.
“This is the happiness of everyone, the happiness of Jammu and Kashmir. The central government is trying to weaken the J&K National Conference because they know that if they want to put pressure on the people of J&K, it is the National Conference that is standing in their way. Look at Sheikh and Farooq’s time; why are they trying to weaken them? Because they know that to weaken the people of J&K, they need to weaken the Abdullah family. Today people responded to them,” said Zameer Abdullah. Tell ANI.
He also stressed that the National Conference was committed to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as the people of the region had given a clear mandate.
“For us, unemployment and electricity are the main issues. I wouldn’t say statehood is an issue; it is a right, just like democracy. We are a democracy; people choose their leaders and representatives. The Union government should restore full statehood in order to fulfill the aspirations of the people.”
Calling for a movement for statehood, he added: “In my opinion, ensuring statehood is the primary struggle. Without statehood, everything else is impossible. There should be a movement for this. We will definitely be there The courts, but at the same time, must take action.”
He also criticized Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, claiming that the Union government appointed him like a king.
“In 2019, they divided us and left us with nothing. They brought in a non-native LG and made him king. We didn’t have any power. But now we are going to fight. The people are behind us; we have a mandate. We are The legitimate government of J&K. We are the legitimate voice demanding statehood and we will fight for it, just like we have done before.”
Earlier, JKNC chairman Farooq Abdullah had said that the party’s deputy chairman and newly elected lawmaker Omar Abdullah would serve as the next chief minister of the federal territory. However, Omar Abdullah said the final decision rested with representatives and alliances.
“I am very grateful to him (Farooq Abdullah) for the confidence he has shown in me. But this decision is taken by the legislators. It is the decision of the alliance. I love my father deeply and am very grateful to him support, but ultimately the legislators have the final say and I always follow the rules and procedures and that’s the way to do it,” he said.
The J&K Assembly election results were announced on Tuesday, October 8. The JKNC led the alliance to victory by winning 42 seats, while the Congress secured only 6 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party also performed strongly, winning 29 seats.
This is the first election to be held in Jammu and Kashmir since August 2019 when Article 370 was abrogated and it was bifurcated into two Union Territories. (Arnie)