Kalakote(Rajour/Nov,8: Observing that the Peoples’ Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) has been received well in Jammu, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah today declared that the alliance is on wider reach out mode and wants to listen to all, including those having contrarian views on various issues like Article 370 and 35A.
“We are ready to meet even the BJP notwithstanding the fact the party was not acceding to our demand on restoration of Article 370”, Omar Abdullah said in an informal chat with the media persons at the sidelines of his visit to the residence of Late Th Rachpal Singh to personally convey condolences to his bereaved family, adding that the Alliance is open to listen to contrarian views on the very important issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
Flanked by Provincial President Devender Singh Rana, he said a very good response is forthcoming from the people to the PAGD as over 26 delegations have met the leaders since yesterday. The purpose of the reach out is to meet every section of society, which is currently underway satisfactorily. Had the purpose been to meet only the like-minded people then that could have been done in the Valley itself, he said, adding that the larger objective is to meet whoever wants, even if they don’t subscribe to what the Alliance is standing for.
To a question, Omar regretted the expulsion of Prof Bhim Singh from Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party for meeting the alliance leaders. He said Prof Singh might be comfortable with revocation of Article 35A but he wants certain changes to Article 370 and he has a view.
Omar Abdullah said the Peoples’ Alliance had unanimously decided yesterday to participate in the upcoming District Development Council elections and accordingly announced the decision.
To repeated questions on the remarks of the PDP President about Tricolour, Mr Omar Abdullah quipped, “She has already clarified her party’s position”.
On a question regarding participation in the elections to the Legislative Assembly, Omar Abdullah said that he did not see any possibility of elections very soon.
“Hadn’t there been the delimitation commission, there would have been some possibility of holding the elections to the assembly”. The NC Vice President said the delimitation commission has not probably met so far due to COVID-19. The commission has to deliberate, carry out field visits and prepare a report for submission to the government, he added.
Earlier,Omar Abdullah, accompanied by Devender Singh Rana, Trilochan Singh Wazir and other leaders, visited the family of Th Rachpal Singh. He described the late leader secular from the core, who always worked for the betterment of the people.He also addressed a large gathering which had assembled there. “Thakur was truly a mass leader”, Omar Abdullah said while expressing solidarity with the family. He said the NC will always support the family which has contributed a lot towards welfare of the people of Kalakote.
The former Chief Minister also conveyed condolences on behalf of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah to the family.
He paid glowing tribute to Thakur Sahib, saying his death has created a void in the National Conference, which is very hard to fill.
