Dr Farooq discusses Kashmir situation, G20 in Delhi event

New Delhi, Aug 3: National Conference President and Member of the Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said that India is for all irrespective of their religion, race or region.

According to a press note, he was addressing an event organised by the Forum For Human Rights in J&K, New Delhi at the Constitution Club, New Delhi under the theme “Five years without elected administration and human rights situation in J&K.”

The event was moderated by Gopal Krishna Pillai and Prof Radha Kumar (former Interlocutor). Number of distinguished speakers from politics, economics, social service and civil services participated in the discussion.

Dr Farooq said, “J&K occupies a unique position in the country as it is the only Muslim majority state in the country. In spite of that it was Mahatma Gandhi’s message of tolerance, unity which persuaded us to be part of India. Whatever is currently happening in the country is therefore a matter of great concern as it goes completely against the founding fathers of this nation.”

Referring to G20 meeting, he said, “The roads which were in bad shape for many years were repaired. The walls got a fresh coat of paint. The street lights started working. The question is whether we will benefit in terms of tourism arrivals from Western countries? That cannot happen till the situation improves and that will not happen till both India and Pakistan sit on a table and resolve all the pending issues amicably. The government wasn’t able to take the visiting dignitaries to Dachigam, which is just 17 kms away from Srinagar or to Gulmarg. The pomp and show was only confined to one designated route.”