Says “Trust deficit with Delhi remains, appeal people to remain united for restoration of statehood”
Srinagar : National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional and democratic rights remained essential for lasting peace and political stability, while alleging that attempts were once again being made to weaken the party through political defections and horse-trading.
Addressing a massive National Conference convention at Naseem Bagh in Hazratbal on the 26th death anniversary of Begum Akbar Jehan, Farooq Abdullah urged party workers to remain steadfast, saying the National Conference had repeatedly overcome political conspiracies and would continue its struggle for the rights of the people.
He said nations inevitably pass through periods of hardship, but such challenges should strengthen rather than weaken people’s resolve.
“Difficult times are temporary. Every nation faces trials, but those who remain united and patient ultimately emerge stronger. The National Conference has never abandoned the people during difficult times and will continue to stand with them,” he said.
Farooq recalled that the National Conference had consistently sought justice for Jammu and Kashmir through constitutional means, but successive governments at the Centre had failed to honour promises made to the people.
He referred to the 2021 all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he had then highlighted the widening trust deficit between New Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir.
“I had told the Prime Minister that there was a trust deficit between Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir. We were assured that the gap would be bridged. Years have passed, but unfortunately that promise remains unfulfilled,” he said.
Describing Jammu and Kashmir as “the crown of India,” Farooq said its people deserved dignity, respect and equal constitutional treatment.
“We are not asking for anything beyond the Constitution of India. We are only demanding restoration of our dignity, our constitutional safeguards and our democratic rights,” he said.
The NC president recalled former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao’s assurance that “within the Constitution, the sky is the limit” in addressing Jammu and Kashmir’s aspirations, saying those commitments too remained unrealised.
Farooq asserted that the National Conference had consistently defended democratic principles despite repeated political setbacks and pressures.
“This party belongs to the poor, the farmers, labourers, youth and ordinary people. It has always fought for their rights and will continue to do so,” he said.
He praised the performance of the Omar Abdullah-led government, saying it had delivered governance despite functioning under severe constitutional and administrative limitations.
“Our government does not enjoy the powers that a full-fledged state government should have. Yet our ministers and legislators continue working day and night to solve people’s problems,” he said.
Farooq also accused political opponents of trying to weaken the National Conference through defections.
“Attempts are being made to buy our legislators just as they did in 1984. Those who participated in that conspiracy disappeared from public life within a short time. History will repeat itself because the people do not forgive betrayal,” he said.
He urged party workers to respond to political challenges democratically rather than emotionally.
“We do not need stones or guns. Our response must be through democratic politics, public service and unity. That is how we will defeat every conspiracy,” he said.
Farooq warned those acting “at the behest of Delhi” that political relevance ultimately depended on public trust.
“If anyone truly cares about Jammu and Kashmir, they should stand with its people instead of serving outside interests. The people will ultimately judge everyone,” he said.
Expressing confidence in divine justice, he said the National Conference had always relied on the support of the people and faith in God during difficult times.
“Allah has guided us through every hardship before and He will continue to guide us. We must remain united and continue our peaceful struggle,” he said.
Farooq reiterated that restoration of statehood was not merely a political demand but a constitutional obligation and called upon the Union Government to fulfil the commitments it had made before the Supreme Court and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the National Conference would continue its democratic movement until Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional, democratic and political rights were fully restored.
Earlier, special prayers, Quran Khawani, FatehaKhawani and floral tributes were offered at the mausoleums of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Begum Akbar Jehan. Similar commemorative programmes were organised by the National Conference across Jammu and Kashmir.
