Since 1947, NC always helped Delhi normalise J&K situation: Parra

Srinagar Nov 7: The People's Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra Thursday said that the National Conference (NC) since 1947 had always helped Delhi ‘normalise situation' in J&K saying that the party was working against the aspirations of people and was scared of talking about Article 370.

Talking to media persons, Parra said, "Since 1947, India has altered Jammu and Kashmir’s status from a country to a state, granted its special status, changed the title from Prime Minister to Chief Minister, and then replaced the Governor with a Lieutenant Governor. Every time people suffered at the hands of Delhi, they wanted to normalise the situation here, and NC was always at the forefront to deliver for them," Parra said.

Referring to the uproar in the house regarding the resolution that was passed for the restoration of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Parra said that they had not come to the assembly to fight or to protest.

"We don’t align with NC but we still support them within the house," he said.

Parra said that during elections NC assured people that they would restore Article 370 and warned them not to vote for any other party, claiming it would harm the cause.

"They instilled fear by suggesting that voting for any party other than NC would strengthen the BJP," he said.

Parra said that the first resolution introduced by NC in the cabinet was for the restoration of statehood, and later, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah went to Delhi but didn’t represent the people’s will.

"Now, they have brought a second resolution in the assembly, which is weak," he said.

The PDP legislator said that when he presented a resolution on the first day in the house, he was asked about laws and rules.

"But they didn't question the BJP on the grounds they used to abrogate Article 370," he said.

Parra said that the resolution put forth jointly by PDP lawmakers along with MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, and AIP MLA from Langate, Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh directly addressed the concerns related to the decisions made on August 5, 2019.

"But NC refused to discuss it. They are either afraid of talking about Article 370 or have an understanding with the BJP," he said.

Parra said NC had a history of making betrayals.

"This J&K has been reduced to the level of a municipality, and the CM is like a Mayor. However, the irony is that he seems satisfied with his position," he said.

Parra said that people should hold all lawmakers, both ruling and opposition, accountable.

"Article 370 is a matter of sentiment. We must talk about it. The issue about roads, water, and electricity can wait," he said.