J&K people enduring sufferings since 2014: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Jammu, Aug 13: National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said that in the last 10 years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured nothing but suffering and hardship.

According to a press release, he was addressing a one-day delegate convention in Doda, where party members and local leaders gathered to discuss key issues affecting the region.

The meeting was convened by senior leader Khalid Najeeb Soharwardy. Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta, District President Sajjad Shaheen, Provincial President YNC Jammu Aijaz Jan, among others were present on the occasion.

The convention focused on formulating and discussing  strategies to strengthen the party's grassroots presence, and  addressing the needs of the people. The leaders present on the occasion emphasised 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 said.

Dr Farooq highlighted the destructive impact of arbitrary demarcation of assembly seats and parliamentary constituencies, which he said was aimed to divide 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. He 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," Dr Farooq Abdullah said.

He urged the functionaries to stand together in solidarity, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.