Kupwara, Mar 23 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Saturday sought peoples support in the forthcoming LS polls to protect state’s integrity and identity from the machinations of RSS-BJP and their cronies in Kashmir.

Addressing a massive one day party convention at TRC ground Kupwara, party’s parliamentary candidate for Baramulla Muhammad Akbar Lone said, “The PDP’s hobnobbing with BJP saw a steep increase in the plight of people. The prestigious institutions of the state were fiddled with. People will look-back at BJP-PDP’s rule for the miseries it unleashed on people in terms of mass civilian killings, blinding, maiming young and old. PDP has left bruises on people, families, young and old that will take years to heal,” he said.

Lone said that NC has been raising issues of people in every forum. “I will pitch for India Pakistan dialogue. So far the catch words of “Kashmiriyat, Jamhooriyat, and Insaaniyat’ didn’t see any implementation on ground. Mere parroting these words is not sufficient,” he said.

Lone said that the restoration of the special position to the state will go a long way in cleaning the cobwebs of mistrust between New Delhi and Srinagar. “National Conference is the only party that boasts a socio-political road map for the state. With the support of people, we will continue to work for the socio-political and economic emancipation of the masses. We will continue to pursue the demand of autonomy.”

While saying that there is no substitute to National Conference in the state, he said, “Parties that are mushrooming every now, are here to implement the agenda of those forces as are inimical to the interests and integrity of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. We as the oldest dispensation of the state owe a sense of responsibility to all. We will continue to work for all sections of our state. Our idea of development is inclusive.”

Lone said that party once in power will ensure protection of Art 35A and Art 370 both inside the parliament and through other judicial means.

“Art 35-A and Art- 370 are the articles of faith for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the contract that sanctifies the relationship of the state with the union of India. The history of national conference is replete with sacrifices offered for the protection of the special status of the state. It is the contract that sanctifies the relationship of the state with the union of India. We will not allow any one abridge the rights that have been conferred to us by the constitution of India.”

The convention was also addressed by party senior leaders Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Qaisar Jamsheed Lone, Mir Saifullah, Shareef Ud Din Shariq, Shafqat Watali and other office bearers and functionaries. (KNS)