SAHIL BHAT
SEPT 25: Amid the escalated tensions in Ladakh, National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Thursday advocated dialogue rather than use of force in resolving the incumbent crisis.
Addressing a press conference at party headquarters in Srinagar, Dr Farooq Abdullah pressed for implementing a discourse process rather than using stringent ways to resolve the issue.
NC stalwart added, “People in Ladakh staged protesting peacefully for last 15 days pressing for Statehood and inclusion of 6th Schedule. They were led by activist Sonam Wangchuk to highlight their demands, but the authorities showed apathy to their concerns.
Coming down heavily on the Central leadership, Dr Farooq Abdullah said, “At the beginning, the protests were non-violent because the youth in Ladakh had faith in the promises. But later encountered that the promises turned bogus, their frustration grew and they took to streets.”
Dr. Farooq Abdullah cautioned that since Ladakh shares boundary with China, hence, violence in such sensitive areas is dangerous for our nation. Efforts are mandatory to resolve the issues by preventing further untoward incidents.
On foreign involvements in sparking violence, NC president refuted the rumours of involvement of external group in it.
“I have observed situations earlier also. This is genuine voice of people and the Government must not forget promises made during elections regarding delimitation and Statehood.”
Dr Farooq Abdullah also said that it has been nearly 11 months since promises were made regarding Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, however, nothing fruitful has emerged.
