Srinagar, September 02 (KNS):National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah said on Monday that if separatists have developed trust in democracy, it is a significant achievement for the National Conference.

Speaking to reporters here at Kangan, Omar said that they have always believed that anything they want to achieve can only be done through democratic means.

"If separatists have developed faith in democracy, it is an achievement for us, regardless of which political party they join," he added.

He further said that in the past, separatists would call for election boycotts whenever elections took place. Now, they are participating in elections, which indicates a shift in their ideology.

Omar also said that separatists contesting elections proves the National Conference’s stance that violence cannot solve issues. "This change in approach shows that our position has been justified," he added.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

When asked if separatist leader Syed Saleem Geelani joining the PDP in 2002 indicated secessionist support for the PDP in that election, Omar declined to comment. "If you want to create conflict by making me answer this, I won't comment," he said.

Regarding former governor Satya Pal Malik’s statement on Ram Madhav overseeing the BJP's election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said Malik had close ties with the BJP and would know more about it.

He also said that Malik was sent by the BJP, and whatever happened in 2019 occurred under his leadership. He said only the BJP can confirm whether Madhav was sent to form an alliance with the PDP.

"Madhav had excellent relations with the PDP and was responsible for bringing the PDP and BJP together in 2014 to form an alliance. Perhaps he has been brought back for the same reason again," he added.(KNS)