Baramulla, Jan 15: President Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said that assembly elections must be held in Jammu and Kashmir as the LG administration of Union Territory cannot address the issues of the people.
The former Chief Minister while responding to a query related to the all party meeting called by the Election Commission of India (ECI) said that elections lead to the formation of a people’s government.
“Elections must take place. Elections lead to the formation of people’s governments and such governments address the issues of people. A lieutenant governor cannot do that,” Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of a visit to the Baramulla town in north Kashmir.
“Our party will also attend the meeting. We will listen to what they (ECI) have to say, we will also say what we have to,” he said.
The former J&K Chief Minister justified the action of the present government when asked about VDC members in Rajouri receiving weapons to combat militants, stating the militancy must be countered. “It is not something new and weapons were given in our time as well. The militancy has to be fought,” he said.
While reacting to the Rahul Gandhi led Bharat Jodo Yatra, Farooq said that the purpose of the yatra was to end the animosity and hatred between communities nationwide.
“What is the yatra for? It is for removing the hatred between religious communities. It is for the peaceful coexistence of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Buddhists in this country. This is what he (Rahul Gandhi) has come out with,” he added.
Farooq Abdullah further said, “Yesterday, a Muslim was beaten until he did not utter what he was asked. These issues are a challenge and it is a matter of happiness that Rahul has come on roads for that.”
