SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday questioned the Centre’s silence over developments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), saying that if the government considers the region an integral part of India, it must also speak about the situation and concerns of the people living there.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an anti-drug awareness programme in Srinagar, Dr Farooq said he had repeatedly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to pay attention to the developments in PoJK.
“Since they keep saying so much that it (PoJK) is our part, so if it is your part, then why don’t you talk about it?” Abdullah said.
The former Union Minister said that the concerns and difficulties faced by people in PoJK should not be ignored and called for greater attention towards the situation there.
“I have spoken about this many times. I have appealed that the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) should go there and see what their difficulties are. They should try to address those difficulties,” he said.
Dr Farooq said he had not heard any statement from the Centre calling for an end to the violence in PoJK and questioned why the government had not spoken about the developments there.
“Why don’t they say whatever is happening there should stop? I haven’t heard anywhere. I don’t know if you have heard it or not. I have not heard any statement from them on it,” he said.
His remarks came after clashes in PoJK during the first phase of elections for the so-called legislative assembly, where activists of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) were killed and several others injured during clashes with law-enforcement personnel.
India has described the elections in PoJK as an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its “illegal occupation” and hide alleged human rights violations in the region.
Addressing the growing drug problem in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Farooq said strict action against those involved in bringing and selling narcotics was necessary to protect the future generation.
He said the anti-drug campaign initiated by senior NC leader Mubarak Gul had helped create awareness among students and teachers about the harmful effects of drugs, tobacco and alcohol.
“If children stay away from drugs, our future will be better. But unless strict action is taken against those bringing and selling drugs, this menace cannot be controlled,” he said.
The NC president urged authorities to intensify the crackdown against drug traffickers and ensure that those involved in the illegal trade face stringent action.
On Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s remarks regarding illegal hotels in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Farooq defended the growth of private accommodation facilities, saying they were necessary due to the increase in tourist arrivals.
“Be thankful those hotels have come up. Tourists visit Kashmir. Where else would they stay?” he said.
Recalling earlier years when accommodation facilities were limited, he said tourists were forced to sleep in vehicles and even on roads due to a shortage of places to stay.
“I have seen a time when tourists had to sleep in taxis, cars and even on roads because accommodation was not available. People have stood on their own feet instead of waiting for government jobs,” he said.
He said private investment in tourism infrastructure had supported local livelihoods and helped the region meet the growing demand of visitors.
Reacting to the aftermath of the Jantar Mantar protest, Dr Farooq alleged that people who provided humanitarian assistance to protesters and victims were later booked in cases and their families faced harassment.
“Those who gave food and water to the victims are now facing FIRs, and their families are also being harassed. This is a serious matter,” he said.
He added that the government should fulfil commitments made to the people, otherwise public resentment could increase.
“If they do not fulfil the promises they have made, revoke FIRs, and stop harassing those who provided food and water there, this campaign will grow even more and bring a change,” he said.
Asked about PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s recent remarks and subsequent apology, Dr Farooq declined to comment.
“I do not want to say anything about it,” he said.
On Mehbooba’s announcement of protests on August 5, the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah said it was her decision.
“Please, it is her job; she can do what she likes,” he said.
Responding to allegations by Mehbooba that the NC had signed the death warrants of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat, Dr Farooq refused to engage in a political exchange.
“Let her say whatever she wants. I will not say anything about Mehbooba,” he said.
Dr Farooq also expressed concern over police action against students protesting over alleged irregularities in Bihar, saying that young people were raising their voices against injustice.
“Everyone knows this, and you must have heard what the president of All India Students’ Association has said. This will not stop. Children have stood up against it and they will take it forward,” he said.
