Ishfaq-ul-Hassan | India Tomorrow
SRINAGAR, MARCH 15 – Hectic political activities have started after Jammu and Kashmir government released National Conference President Farooq Abdullah from the detention.
While senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad air-dashed to Srinagar to meet Farooq, a 24 member delegation of newly formed Apni Party met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.
Azad and Farooq’s meeting assumes significance as both have rejected the Centre’s move of downgrading Jammu and Kashmir to two union territories. Seemingly unfazed by the detention, Farooq referred Jammu and Kashmir as state much to the chagrin of BJP and other saffron party allies.
Azad too pitched for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “Carving Union Territories out of the state is an insult to the people. Elections should be held. Those who will be elected can take decisions regarding the development,” he said.Farooq said they are still some way away from an environment where such political discourse will be possible.
“Before we allow politics to divide us I appeal to all political leaders to unite behind the call to the union government to bring back all detainees from J&K in prisons outside pending their release. While we would like to see them all released as soon as possible, pending that they should be shifted to J&K. This is a humanitarian demand & I hope others will join me in placing this demand in front of the government of India”, he said.National Conference president said at a time when people are being advised not to travel the families of detainees are being forced to put their lives at risk in order to meet their loved ones for a few short but very precious hours
On the other side, Apni Party has taken the battle to the doorsteps of Prime Minister and Home Minister.“People of Jammu and Kashmir had not realized the essence of Statehood until August 5. Statehood is a reference to the glorious past and a privilege for solidification of the idea of pluralism and respectful coexistence in Jammu and Kashmir like any other State”, Apni party delegation led by president Altaf Bukhari told Prime Minister.
The delegation also called for restoring the disbanded legislative council in Jammu and Kashmir. “For keeping up this spirit and allowing a cultural mosaic to continue, restoration of Statehood including the establishment of a Legislative Council should be done as per the commitment of the country’s top leadership on the floor of Parliament”, Apni Party leader said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi later assured the delegation that the statehood would be restored at an early opportunity. Prime Minister underlined that the government will work with all section of the population to realize the hopes of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and early opportunity, said the government spokesman.
