Srinagar: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said the party would not retreat from its struggle until the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are restored.
Addressing a function welcoming newly inducted ministers at the party headquarters here, Abdullah reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the restoration of J-K’s constitutional and democratic rights.
The struggle for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A would continue, he said, adding that the NC would not retreat from its struggle until the constitutional and democratic rights of the people are restored.
Abdullah said the NC has weathered the most turbulent, sensitive and challenging periods in its history, making countless sacrifices to safeguard and secure the dignity, honour, prosperity and constitutional and democratic rights of the oppressed people of J-K.
“The NC movement was founded on the struggle against injustice and a firm commitment to securing the fundamental rights of the people. To achieve this objective, the people, particularly the party’s dedicated and selfless workers, endured immense hardships and suffering in their pursuit of a free and dignified environment, self-respect, faith in God and self-confidence,” he said.
The three-time chief minister said that conspiracies against the NC were nothing new.
“History bears testimony to the fact that the party faced several sinister and dangerous conspiracies during different periods, including 1953, 1977, 1984 and 1990. However, on every occasion, the party emerged victorious, owing to the unwavering participation, cooperation and support of the people,” he said.
Abdullah asserted that those who had attempted to divide the NC, create fissures within its ranks and weaken its popular base “had gradually disappeared from the political landscape”.
“The NC stood on the foundations of truth, while the blessings of Almighty Allah and the overwhelming support of the people remained its greatest strengths,” he added.
