Jammu, February 4 (PTI) – National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah raised concerns on Sunday over the central government’s claims of eradicating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that recent violent incidents, such as the Kulgam terror attack, contradicted such assertions, calling into question the government's narrative on militancy.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Jammu, Abdullah referred to the recent attack in Kulgam, which left an ex-serviceman dead and his wife and another woman injured. He remarked, "Ask those who claim that militancy has ended. If incidents like this continue, where does their claim stand? Every day, we hear statements in Parliament and elsewhere that militancy is gone, but if it truly were, such attacks would not happen."
Abdullah also criticized those rushing to declare victory in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, especially in the wake of claims by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) about their expected success. He asserted that the decision ultimately rests with the people, not with himself or his political colleague, Sakina Itoo. “The people of this country will decide, not Farooq Abdullah or Sakina Itoo,” he emphasized.
The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister dismissed speculation that the BJP might gain an advantage from the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) contesting separately in Delhi. "If I were clairvoyant, I might predict that, but I am just a simple man," Abdullah said. Despite political challenges, he expressed confidence in the INDIA bloc's momentum, asserting, “We are moving forward, with God’s blessings, and we will continue to do so.”
Addressing the question of uniting the opposition alliance at the national level, Abdullah humbly downplayed any personal role, saying, "I don't have that capacity, but we all know that together we can achieve more for this country."
On the issue of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, Abdullah reiterated his hope that the region would regain its status. "It may take time, but I am confident it will be restored," he said, while acknowledging the uncertainty of when it would happen.
The former chief minister also touched on concerns raised by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), but swiftly shifted the conversation toward media freedom. "Can you criticize the central government?" he asked. "If you do, you might end up in jail or see your newspaper destroyed. The press is afraid to ask the tough questions."
In a separate remark on the COVID-19 vaccine, Abdullah expressed skepticism over the rapid rollout, suggesting that it had been administered without proper trials. "Many young people are dying from heart attacks, and people are saying the vaccine is responsible. But we cannot make conclusions yet," he said, while calling for thorough research if a vaccine for cancer is to be developed. "Vaccines should not be rushed like the COVID ones were," he added.
Addressing the issue of the Uniform Civil Code, Abdullah remarked, "Let them do it," in response to its recent implementation in states like Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
On a more personal note, Abdullah reflected on his spiritual beliefs, saying he doesn't need to attend large religious events like the Maha Kumbh. "I bathe at home; my God is in my heart. My God is not in water, nor is He in a mosque, temple, or gurudwara," he shared.
Earlier, in his speech at the medical college in Jammu, Abdullah discussed the progress in healthcare facilities, though he pointed out the lack of nurses in the past decade. "There are no nurses employed in the last 10 years, which is concerning," he said. While praising the technological advancements, he lamented the decline of traditional medical practices. Abdullah also emphasized the importance of treating all people equally, regardless of their religion. “Diseases do not differentiate between Hindus and Muslims. Hatred harms us all. Teach your children love, brotherhood, and humanity,” he urged.
With a mix of political commentary, personal reflection, and calls for societal unity, Farooq Abdullah’s statements underscored his continued influence in Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving political landscape.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Jammu, Abdullah referred to the recent attack in Kulgam, which left an ex-serviceman dead and his wife and another woman injured. He remarked, "Ask those who claim that militancy has ended. If incidents like this continue, where does their claim stand? Every day, we hear statements in Parliament and elsewhere that militancy is gone, but if it truly were, such attacks would not happen."
Abdullah also criticized those rushing to declare victory in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, especially in the wake of claims by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) about their expected success. He asserted that the decision ultimately rests with the people, not with himself or his political colleague, Sakina Itoo. “The people of this country will decide, not Farooq Abdullah or Sakina Itoo,” he emphasized.
The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister dismissed speculation that the BJP might gain an advantage from the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) contesting separately in Delhi. "If I were clairvoyant, I might predict that, but I am just a simple man," Abdullah said. Despite political challenges, he expressed confidence in the INDIA bloc's momentum, asserting, “We are moving forward, with God’s blessings, and we will continue to do so.”
Addressing the question of uniting the opposition alliance at the national level, Abdullah humbly downplayed any personal role, saying, "I don't have that capacity, but we all know that together we can achieve more for this country."
On the issue of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, Abdullah reiterated his hope that the region would regain its status. "It may take time, but I am confident it will be restored," he said, while acknowledging the uncertainty of when it would happen.
The former chief minister also touched on concerns raised by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), but swiftly shifted the conversation toward media freedom. "Can you criticize the central government?" he asked. "If you do, you might end up in jail or see your newspaper destroyed. The press is afraid to ask the tough questions."
In a separate remark on the COVID-19 vaccine, Abdullah expressed skepticism over the rapid rollout, suggesting that it had been administered without proper trials. "Many young people are dying from heart attacks, and people are saying the vaccine is responsible. But we cannot make conclusions yet," he said, while calling for thorough research if a vaccine for cancer is to be developed. "Vaccines should not be rushed like the COVID ones were," he added.
Addressing the issue of the Uniform Civil Code, Abdullah remarked, "Let them do it," in response to its recent implementation in states like Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
On a more personal note, Abdullah reflected on his spiritual beliefs, saying he doesn't need to attend large religious events like the Maha Kumbh. "I bathe at home; my God is in my heart. My God is not in water, nor is He in a mosque, temple, or gurudwara," he shared.
Earlier, in his speech at the medical college in Jammu, Abdullah discussed the progress in healthcare facilities, though he pointed out the lack of nurses in the past decade. "There are no nurses employed in the last 10 years, which is concerning," he said. While praising the technological advancements, he lamented the decline of traditional medical practices. Abdullah also emphasized the importance of treating all people equally, regardless of their religion. “Diseases do not differentiate between Hindus and Muslims. Hatred harms us all. Teach your children love, brotherhood, and humanity,” he urged.
With a mix of political commentary, personal reflection, and calls for societal unity, Farooq Abdullah’s statements underscored his continued influence in Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving political landscape.
Last updated by a enewsx:
