Don’t Just Oppose BJP, What About Congress? Hakeem Yaseen Asks NC

Srinagar, Aug 03 (KNS): Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Saturday accused Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and Congress of political hypocrisy and selective outrage, questioning its decision to observe August 5 as a Black Day while conveniently ignoring August 9, the day when Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was arrested in 1953 by the then Congress-led government.

Addressing a well-attended party convention in Wetred Kachwari, Khansahib, Yaseen said that while the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, deserves condemnation and resistance, JKNC’s silence on the betrayal of its own founder in 1953 reflects a double standard driven by political convenience rather than principle.

While addressing a daylong party convention at Wetred Kachwari in Khansahib, Yaseen questioned the selective outrage of JKNC and Congress, stating that although the party is preparing to observe August 5 as a Black Day which he acknowledged as genuine and justified due to the abrogation of Article 370 they have conveniently forgotten August 9, a day they once also marked as Black Day to protest the arrest of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1953.

“It is true that August 5 should be observed as Black Day, as Article 370 was snatched from us. We also urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir with full dignity and honour. But why this selective memory when it comes to August 9? Who was responsible for that Black Day? Why is JKNC silent now?” Yaseen asked.

Hakeem recalled that it was on August 9, 1953, that Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was dismissed and arrested by the Congress-led government, and rallies used to be held annually by JKNC to mark that day.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe demanded to know why that practice has now been discontinued.

“If JKNC and Congress observes August 5 against BJP, why don’t they observe August 9 against the Congress, which jailed their tallest leader Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah? Was that democratic or undemocratic? Was the Constitution of J&K not violated back then?” he said, adding that the twin faces of JKNC and Congress must be exposed.

Yaseen also criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent visit to Gujarat, stating that while interactions and observations of developmental models outside J&K are welcome, it is more important to focus on long-pending developmental issues within the Union Territory.

“Seeing Gujarat is good, but seeing our own Jammu and Kashmir is more important. There are areas in our own state waiting for decades for attention,” he said.

Hakeem also raised the issue of long-delayed infrastructure projects, particularly the proposed Tangmarg–Drung National Highway, which would connect Mandi Poonch via Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, and Tosamaidan.

He said the project, approved in 2012, is yet to see any tangible progress as tenders have not been floated so far.

“This highway would serve as an alternative link between Kashmir and Jammu regions and significantly boost trade, tourism, and local connectivity. The government must take this project on a priority basis. The region has been neglected for too long,” Yaseen stressed. (KNS)