Srinagar, Jun 18: Asserting that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is not a concession but a constitutional right, National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday called for an immediate return to full democratic authority in the region.
Speaking at a one-day workers’ meeting of Block, Halqa and Mohalla units at the Pulwama District Party Office, Mujahid Manzil, Dr Abdullah said, “Statehood is not a gift—it’s the people’s right, long overdue and repeatedly promised by the ruling government.”
The meeting, chaired by Dr Farooq reviewed party affairs and pressing public issues, the party said in a statement issued here. He assured party workers that the Omar Abdullah-led government is prioritising these challenges.
The former chief minister criticised the Union Territory status as a bottleneck to real governance. “J&K is vast, not just in land, but in its layered culture. Governing it under the limited framework of a UT is like trying to fly a kite without wind,” he said.
Provincial President Showkat Mir, Provincial Secretary Syed Tauqeer, MLAs Justice Hasnain Masoodi, Ghulam Mohidin Mir, and DDC Chairman Syed Bari Andrabi were present at the occasion. The event was organised by District President Pulwama Mohammad Khalil Bandh.
Meanwhile, the NC Provincial President Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir, in a separate statement, urged the administration to make adequate arrangements for the upcoming annual Urs of Hazrat Syed Saleh (RA) at Khan Sahab, Budgam.
He called for ensuring uninterrupted power and water supply, sanitation, medical facilities, and proper traffic management for the convenience of devotees expected to visit the shrine during the Urs days.
Mir also appealed to the concerned departments to coordinate closely and ensure the area is well-prepared for the large gathering.
