Srinagar: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Sunday questioned the continuation of what he described as a “dual power structure” in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the Union Territory cannot remain an exception to India’s democratic and federal framework despite having an elected government.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Duratyar in Bijbehara, where he offered condolences to the family of former NC Block President Muhammad Ismail Wani, Abdullah said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had given a democratic mandate that should be respected through a fully empowered elected government.
He said the assurances given after the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, including restoration of democratic rights and statehood, remain unfulfilled.
“People of J&K were told that the changes of August 5, 2019 would place the region on par with the rest of the country. If that is so, why does Jammu and Kashmir continue to function under a dual power structure despite having a democratically elected government?” he questioned.
Abdullah said elected governments in other parts of the country exercise full constitutional authority, while Jammu and Kashmir continues to operate under a different arrangement.
Referring to the recent killings of migrant labourers in Kulgam and a policeman in Anantnag, the NC president questioned the claims of improved security conditions and demanded that the identities of those responsible be made public.
“The administration should tell people who is carrying out these killings. We are only told that terrorists killed them. The question is where are these terrorists coming from when all borders are sealed?” he said.
He said the killers must be identified to assess the ground situation and verify claims regarding the end of terrorism in the Valley.
Abdullah reiterated his demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the region’s social, cultural and geographical diversity requires a fully empowered elected government.
“Jammu and Kashmir can realise its full potential only under a fully empowered elected government. The National Conference will continue its peaceful and constitutional struggle until the legitimate rights of the people are restored,” he said.
The NC chief also criticised the BJP-led government, alleging that Jammu and Kashmir had been “destroyed” after the 2019 changes and called for fulfilment of commitments made regarding statehood.
On the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Abdullah expressed concern over the ongoing unrest and said the international community should take note of the developments there.
Earlier, Abdullah visited the residence of late Muhammad Ismail Wani, who died after remaining bedridden for nearly eight years following injuries sustained in a militant attack in 2019, and offered condolences to the bereaved family.
Senior NC leaders, including Showkat Mir, Hasnain Masoodi, Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Abdul Majeed Bhat Larmi, Advocate Reyaz Khan and Mir G.M. Saqi, accompanied him during the visit.
