Will fight ‘open loot' of JK's resources by GoI: PDP Chief
Centre compelling us to ‘exit' politics: Omar
Sheikh Danish
Srinagar, Oct 29: In continuing show of resentment towards the Central Govt, Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah at different events took a jibe at new land law development in Jammu Kashmir.
Peoples Democratic Party Chief Mehbooba Mufti Thursday accused the Government of India of resorting to open loot of JK's resources by making fresh announcements every that include repealing of land laws, allowing outsiders to buy land in UT, introducing domicile law and axing the government employees by reducing the service period to 22 years only.
Gupkar Residence after she wasn't allowed to meet several PDP workers detained by the police for taking out a rally, the PDP chief said that the party workers tried to stage a peaceful demonstration against GoI's back to back announcements regarding “plundering of J&K's resources.” “But our workers were detained and lodged in a police station. I tried to meet them to know their well-being but wasn't allowed,” she said.
“I am glad that people of Jammu and Ladakh too have realized the essence of people's alliance for Gupkar declaration as intentions of BJP led government at the Centre are quite clear now,” she said, adding that “it's time for a united battle against GoI anti-J&K policy.”
“I am not going to sit idle and will fight Centere's open loot in J&K. They are stealing our resources. Everyday there is a new announcement from Centre. The latest it repealing of land laws and allowing outsiders to buy land in J&K. This just an election stunt as polls are round the corner in Bihar and then elections will be held in West Bengal too,” she said.
Mehbooba said that earlier domicile law was introduced and then government announced that it can axe any government employee after 22 years of service. “I won't allow this open loot. In other Indian states, people have no food to eat, but BJP government wants them to buy land in J&K,” she said, adding that “Today J&K has been converted into a big jail.”
Asked about her next step, she said: “Sarfaroshi ki tamana ab hamaray dil mei hai, dekhna hai zoor kitna bazuway kaatil mei hai.”
National Conference (NC) Vice President, Omar Abdullah Thursday lashed out at the central government over “criminalizing dissent and branding those seeking protection of their honor and integrity as anti-nationals.” He said the Centre was compelling the mainstream politicians of J&K to call it a day.
Addressing party workers in a function at Nawa-e-Subha here, Omar asked the central government to come clear what they are seeking from us.
He said that the decisions taken by the government since August 05 last year have changed the ground situation.
“In the beginning of last year, we were eyeing on elections and now we have been fighting for our rights,” he said.
Omar also stated that the leaders have joined hands to fight in unions but it is unfortunate that those who raise their voices for their identity and other rights are being termed as anti-nationals. “The government while abrogating the special status claimed that the decision was taken for the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the union of India. However, the fresh decision on land law has put a question mark over the claims,” he added.
“Delhi left no stone unturned to weaken and divide the mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir. We (mainstream parties) remain busy in opposing each other till last year. As our voices got weaker, the government succeeded in their plans and snatched our identity. We have joined our hands now. But, I wish this alliance among the mainstream parties would have been forged a couple for years back,” he added. “Had this alliance take place a few years back, the situation could have been different,” Omar said.
He said that the central government's decision last year has forced mainstream parties to join hands. “Today, I am not counting seats as this fight is not for the power. (lanat hai hum par agar in haalat mein aaj bhi hum kursi ke liye lad rahe hai' (Shame on those who fight for petty power amid ongoing tumultuous situation).” He said people will never forget the leaders if they keep eyeing on the secretariat and the power.
About the repealing of land law, Omar said that “nobody can buy land in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and many other States of the country, but here in Jammu and Kashmir, the rich section has been given open land to throw people of J&K out. Amid this situation, they are expecting silence from us, which is not possible. We will fight and are not ready to lose it. I don't know how long this fight will continue, but will fight it tooth and nail.”
“We are being tagged as anti-national for fighting for our rights. I must recall the role played by Maqbool Sherwani, who under this (NC) flag played a pivotal role in 1947,” he said.
He also said that whatever has been snatched from J&K people, was mentioned in the constitution, adding that it was the Maharaja Hari Singh, who granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and the government has demolished the constitution and those who are fighting constitutional rights are being tagged as anti-nationals.
“In Nagaland, leaders have clearly rejected Indian constitution, flag and sovereignty, but despite this, talks are being held with them. But, when people in Jammu and Kashmir are raising voice for their identity, land and other rights, you are tagging them as anti-nationals,” he added.
About today's protest by PDP against land law, he said the party leaders in Jammu were allowed to carry out a protest rally yesterday but in Kashmir the leaders from same party were detained.
