Srinagar, Aug 24 (KNS) :Former Minister and Senior Vice President of J&K People’s Conference, Abdul Gani Vakil, strongly reacted to the decision of the UT Government headed by Omar Abdullah to close down schools run by Jamaat-e-Islami, terming the move “unfortunate but not surprising.”

In a statement issued, Vakil said that the National Conference leadership has always compromised the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the sake of power, and this latest decision is yet another example of the party’s misplaced priorities.

“History bears witness that National Conference buried the slogan of Plebiscite merely to secure the post of Chief Minister. For them, power has always been above the interests and aspirations of the people of J&K. It is because of such compromises that miseries of our people have multiplied over the decades,” Vakil stated.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He further reminded that it was the National Conference which brought the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA) into J&K, a law that continues to be ruthlessly misused, mostly against innocent people.

Vakil asserted that if the 1987 elections had not been brazenly rigged under National Conference’s watch, the situation in J&K would have been entirely different. “The rigging laid the foundation for turmoil, resulting in the killing of thousands, destruction of properties, and incarceration of hundreds in jails,” he added.

Calling the closure of Jamaat-run schools a short-sighted and damaging step, Vakil said it only deepens alienation among the people and deprives children of education. “Instead of targeting institutions, the government should focus on reforms and safeguarding the rights and future of our youth,” he added.(KNS)