Restore statehood, address J&K’s problems: Farooq to PM

Jammu, Nov 3: National Conference president and the former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah Monday reiterated his appeal to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restore statehood to J&K and thus address its problems.

He was responding to media queries here on the reopening of Move offices in Jammu following resumption of Darbar Move.

“I will only appeal to the Prime Minister to be kind to us and pay attention to the problems being confronted by J&K. We appeal to restore it as soon as possible. I hope - God willing, it (restoration) will happen soon,” he said, when asked what he expected from the Prime Minister on the statehood issue.

He exuded confidence about the good prospects of the National Conference in the assembly by-elections to Budgam and Nagrota.

In an oblique dig at the political adversaries, he stated that the resumption of Darbar Move defeated those who wanted to divide Kashmir and Jammu.

“It has been resumed after years. I’m happy to see that those trying to create a wedge between Jammu and Kashmir and separate the two – have failed. We are one and Jammu and Kashmir is a single entity. We will continue to remain one. I hope that the Move will benefit Jammu and revive its sagging economy,” he said.

Dr Farooq also greeted the Jammu Chamber and others for their support and cooperation. “We will progress while standing united,” he said.

NC president reiterated that his party would fulfill all the promises made in its manifesto. “We still have four years. All the promises will be fulfilled one by one,” he said.

Later, speaking to media persons, the Deputy Chief Surinder Choudhary and the Speaker Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather also asserted that the resumption of Darbar Move fulfilled the promise made to Jammu and it would end artificial barriers.

“We are happy. The move will revive the economy, tourism and unite the two regions,” they said.