Srinagar, 19 Oct: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Monday presided over a workers’ convention in the Arwah area of Beerwah constituency. The convention was organised by Beerwah MLA Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani.

The convention was attended by Provincial President Showkat Ahmad Mir, Central Zone President and Chadoora MLA Ali Mohammad Dar, Budgam District President Ghulam Nabi Bhat, block presidents, constituency presidents, mohalla presidents, delegates and party workers.

Addressing the convention, Dr Farooq reiterated the National Conference’s unwavering commitment to fight for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status, Articles 370 and 35A, and full statehood. He said that before the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, the Supreme Court, in two earlier hearings, had upheld the provision’s permanent status and described it as a permanent provision of the Constitution of India. He asserted that the National Conference would continue its struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights and special status.

Highlighting the historic contributions of the National Conference, Dr Farooq said that the party’s revolutionary and historic initiatives had paved the way for land reforms, enabling poor and marginalised farmers and cultivators to acquire ownership rights over land. He said that it was also due to the National Conference that the light of education reached every household in Jammu and Kashmir, with the literacy rate rising from 6 per cent to nearly 82 per cent today. He added that the party’s role in establishing and strengthening fundamental, constitutional and democratic institutions, as well as essential infrastructure, remained unforgettable.

Dr Farooq Abdullah said that repeated attempts and conspiracies had been made over the past several decades to weaken the National Conference, but with the unwavering support of the people and the grace of Almighty Allah, the party had overcome every challenge. He asserted that as long as the people stood firmly with the National Conference, no force could undermine its political strength.

Targeting the PDP, Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the hardships endured by the people of Jammu and Kashmir over the past several years were a consequence of the PDP’s actions. He said that the National Conference had announced unconditional support to the PDP in 2014 and warned it against bringing the BJP to Jammu and Kashmir, cautioning that the party would wreak havoc in the region. However, he said, the PDP ignored the warning and pushed the state towards destruction. Had the PDP not brought the BJP to Jammu and Kashmir, Article 370 would not have been abrogated, he added.

He described the Supreme Court’s 2024 judgment on Article 370 as entirely wrong, arguing that the same court had upheld the provision on two earlier occasions and stated that it had acquired permanent status under the Constitution of India.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“Almighty Allah is watching everything. We need only to exercise patience and restraint. Oppression may last for a while, but it cannot continue forever. Allah will certainly bring oppression to an end, and injustice will be eradicated,” he said. “The winds of change have begun to blow, and they are gathering speed.”

Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were seeking their rightful due. He recalled that promises had been made regarding delimitation, elections and the restoration of statehood following the elections. “Where have those promises gone? Why has statehood still not been restored even after two years?” he asked.

He said that, in January this year, National Conference Members of Parliament had met the Union Home Minister in New Delhi, where the latter had assured them that business rules would be provided immediately to clarify the respective powers of the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government. However, he said, even after ten months, the promised business rules remained nowhere in sight. He said those in power are relying on false promises and deception.

“Allah’s justice may be delayed, but it is never denied. These circumstances will not last forever, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir will certainly receive their rightful due,” he said. He stressed the need for party workers to remain united, strengthen their ranks and foil the nefarious designs and conspiracies of their adversaries.

Speaking about the current development scenario, Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was utilising all available resources to accelerate development across Jammu and Kashmir despite the most challenging circumstances. He said that every possible effort was being made to provide relief to the people. The initiation of several development projects in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Beerwah constituency, reflected a new phase of progress, he added.

In his address, Beerwah MLA Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani highlighted the ongoing development initiatives in the constituency. He said that substantial funds had been released for various projects and that numerous works had been initiated to improve local infrastructure and public amenities. He asserted that Beerwah was moving towards a new phase of development and reaffirmed his commitment to resolving all pending issues faced by the constituency.

At the conclusion of the convention, party leaders reiterated their commitment to public service, inclusive development and the protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights. They expressed confidence that the National Conference would continue to enjoy the support of the people in the future.
Youth National Conference Zonal President Raees Ahmad Matoo and Zonal Secretary Mohammad Ashraf Matoo were also present on the occasion.(KNS)