Farooq Abdullah Questions Centre’s Silence on PoK, Backs Jantar Mantar Student Protest
SRINAGAR: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday questioned the Central Government’s silence over the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying that if New Delhi considers the region an integral part of India, it should publicly raise concerns over the reported hardships faced by people living there. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said he had repeatedly appealed to international human rights organisations to assess the situation in PoK.
Questions Centre’s Stand on PoK
Abdullah said he had urged United Nations human rights bodies to visit the region and examine the conditions faced by local residents.
“They keep saying that it is our part. If it is your part, then why don’t you speak about it? Why don’t you say that what is happening there should be stopped? I have never heard them say anything about it,” he said.
No Comment on Mehbooba Mufti
When asked about Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti’s recent apology over her remarks and her decision to continue protests, Abdullah declined to comment.
“I have nothing to say about that. It’s her job. She can do what she likes,” he said.
Calls for Tougher Action Against Drug Traffickers
Expressing concern over increasing drug abuse among young people in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah called for strict action against drug traffickers.
He said programmes aimed at keeping young people away from drugs were important, but emphasised that stronger legal action against those involved in drug trafficking was essential to curb the problem.
Defends Growth of Tourist Infrastructure
Responding to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s reported remarks that around 90 per cent of the 5,000 hotels built in Jammu and Kashmir over the past six years were illegal, Abdullah defended the expansion of tourist accommodation.
He said the additional hotels had helped meet the growing demand from visitors and reduced the shortage of accommodation during peak tourist seasons.
According to Abdullah, many local people invested their own resources to build hotels instead of relying on government employment.
Supports Jantar Mantar Student Protest
Abdullah also voiced support for students protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, warning that the agitation could intensify if the authorities failed to honour commitments made to the protesters.
He said the movement would likely grow stronger if the promised measures were not implemented, including:
- Withdrawal of FIRs registered against protesters.
- An end to action against people who provided food and water to demonstrators.
- An end to the alleged harassment of their family members.
Remarks on Security Crackdown
Referring to the security crackdown following the Anantnag incident, Abdullah criticised the authorities, alleging that those responsible had not been held accountable.
Extends Support to Bihar Students
Abdullah also expressed solidarity with students protesting over the alleged examination paper leak in Bihar.
He said students had raised their voices against the issue and hoped their movement would continue.
