SRINAGAR: The Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Omar Abdullah, expressed on Thursday that the level of disappointment among the residents of Jammu and Kashmir with the current LG administration has reached unprecedented heights.
He made these remarks while addressing a large one-day party workers convention in Handwara. The convention was organised by Senior party leader and former Minister Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan.
It was attended by Party Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, Political Advisor Mudassar Shahmiri, North Zone President Javed Dar, Senior Leaders Sharifuddin Shariq, Mir Saifullah, District president Kupwara Qaiser Jamshed Lone, Provincial Secretary Showkat Mir, Shafqat Watali, Deen Muhammad Cheetah, Ghulam Nabi Bhat, youth leader Zahid Mughal, DDC members, block presidents, and other party functionaries from district Kupwara.
Omar Abdullah criticised the policies of the incumbent government, stating that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is now marked by widespread unhappiness and discontent across all regions. He noted that youth are expressing anger, chaos prevails, and inflation is soaring. He added, “On the other hand, the LG claims that 80 percent of people are content with his administration and do not desire assembly elections.”
During his address, Omar Abdullah highlighted the dire unemployment situation, citing instances of recruitment processes being initiated and canceled within days, leaving people to fend for themselves amidst rising prices of essential goods, gas, and edibles. He also remarked on the changing landscape of electricity meters and the challenges with the ration system, emphasizing that the prices have exceeded market rates.
Expressing concern for horticulturists, Omar Abdullah mentioned the removal of taxes on American apples and walnuts by the central government, suggesting that this move was influenced by the desire to invite the American President as a special guest on India’s Republic Day. He lamented that local produce was being neglected.
In response to critics of the J&K National Conference, Omar Abdullah defended the party’s red flag as a symbol of sacrifice and dedication. He criticised those who had aligned with other groups and accused them of opportunism for political gain. He emphasised the party’s commitment to honesty and not misleading the public.
Regarding Article 370, Omar Abdullah explained that the party chose the path of peaceful and constitutional struggle, rather than street protests. He highlighted the party’s efforts in the Supreme Court and mentioned that even organisations opposing Article 370 sought association with their lawyers to be part of the legal battle.
Omar Abdullah concluded by expressing hope for justice through the legal system, emphasising the importance of preserving the identity and dignity of the region.
Earlier, National Conference President Omar Abdullah engaged in an interactive session with a group of lawyers and workers associated with the youth wing of the party at the residence of Chaudhary Muhammad Ramzan.
