J&K people ‘enduring hardship’ since 2014: Abdullah

Jammu, Aug 13: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said that in the last ten years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured “nothing but suffering and hardship”.
He said this while addressing a one-day delegate convention in Doda, where party members and local leaders gathered to discuss key issues affecting the region.
The convention focused on formulating and discussing strategies to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence and address the needs of the people, the NC said in a statement, adding that the leaders present on the occasion emphasized the importance of unity and proactive engagement in tackling the challenges faced by the people of Doda.
Addressing the functionaries, Dr Farooq said the need for the conscious people of Jammu and Kashmir is to unite in the face of adversity. He urged the functionaries to show understanding, enthusiasm and unity to combat the “conspiracies and nefarious tricks that have plagued the region for the past ten years”.
“These schemes were designed to undermine the interests of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving its people vulnerable,” he added.
The NC Chief highlighted the “destructive impact” of the “arbitrary” demarcation of assembly seats and parliamentary constituencies, which he said was aimed at dividing the population on religious and regional lines.
He stressed the importance of every citizen fulfilling their responsibility in the face of “economic disempowerment” and “increasing burdens” imposed on the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The former chief minister lamented the “loss of land, job opportunities, and the prevalence of mental health issues” among the highly educated youth in the region. “The revocation of Article 370 and 35A further exacerbated the challenges faced by the people, leading to widespread discontent among educated youth,” he said.
Dr Abdullah urged the functionaries to “stand together in solidarity, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity”.