Farooq Abdullah comes open in support of militants fighting for ‘Kashmir's freedom'
NL Correspondent
Srinagar: National Conference President and former chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah Friday stormed a fresh controversy, saying the youth of Kashmir (militants) were “sacrificing their lives for their rights and not for any political positions”.
“Our young boys who are joining militant ranks don't want to become MLAs, MPs or ministers. They are giving sacrifices to demand their right and freedom of this nation,” Farooq said, during his address to party workers at the Nawa-e-Subh on the occasion of the second death anniversary of former NC general secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmad.
The National Conference President said these boys (militants) have left homes as they don't fear death. “They have surrendered their lives in front of God and their sole aim is to free Kashmir,” Farooq Abdullah said. Abdullah also demanded constitution of a judicial commission to look into the reasons for youths joining militant ranks and people rushing towards encounter sites to save holed up militants during counter-insurgency operations.
He said the people of Kashmir are not enemies of any nation. “We are not anyone's enemy. Neither are we India's enemy nor Pakistan's enemy, but we ask them to do justice with us. You have not done justice with us,” he said.
Farooq Abdullah said that both the countries have forgotten the promises they made with Kashmiris in 1948. “But now new generation has emerged and they don't fear guns. This generation won't remain silent till they attain Azaadi of this nation. If someone says we will answer bullet with bullets, let me tell them one thing- they didn't fear bullets now neither they feared in past,” he said.
Responding to the anti-militancy operations in Kashmir and disruptions by protesting youth at encounter sites, the National Conference President said the people's anger was “justified” as the Jammu and Kashmir Government had formed an alliance with the ‘communal' forces.”The present government (during electioneering) had made a promise to the people that they won't align with communal parties. (Former Chief Minister) Mufti (Mohammad Sayeed) entered into an agreement with them (BJP). The people will not accept this. And this is the one of the reason for it,” he said.
Abdullah also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his claim about discrimination in power supply during Ramzan and Diwali in Uttar Pradesh.”It is regretful. Prime Minister should talk in such a way that unites people rather than creating a division. I had not expected such statements from the Prime Minister,” he said.
Stressing on the need for initiation of talks with Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue, he said that dialogue is the only solution to end violence in the Valley.”How will you resolve Kashmir issue without talking to Pakistan? The two countries have to talk to each other… dialogue is the only solution to this violence,” he added.
He said that the policy of “bullet for bullet” will only worsen the situation in the state.”If you want to improve the situation in Kashmir, then the only way is to start a dialogue. The talk of bullet for bullet will only make the things worse,” Abdullah said.
“Bullet cannot be an answer to a bullet. Bullet can be answered by patience, love and through dialogue. We should desist from that and hope India and Pakistan come to the dialogue table and a new phase of talks will resume so that this problem is resolved,” the former Chief Minister said.
He said poor people in the state would be the worst affected by lack of tourism because of violence.”Death and destruction should come to an end so that the people of Kashmir can live in peace. The tourism season is about to start and if this death and destruction continues, who will come here? Who is going to suffer because of that? It is the poor people here who depend on tourism,” he said.
