Farooq Abdullah questions New Delhi’s peace claims in IIOJK, says atmosphere of fear persists
Srinagar: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has questioned the BJP-led Indian government’s claims that peace has returned to Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, saying the territory continues to remain in an atmosphere of fear.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Farooq Abdullah questioned New Delhi’s claims that militancy had been ended and peace restored in IIOJK, pointing to what he described as continuing fear and security concerns.
“They are roaming all over the world and saying peace has come here. We have ended militancy. Then where is this coming from?” he asked.
He said that the security situation was being used as a reason to delay statehood, while an environment of fear was being created in the territory.
Farooq Abdullah urged people to become more self-reliant, saying economic dependence on Delhi would make it difficult for Kashmir to achieve dignity and independence.
He also criticized the Indian government for delaying the restoration of statehood to IIOJK, recalling that New Delhi had indicated that delimitation and elections would be followed by restoration of statehood, but the process had not been completed as promised.
Referring to to a meeting between an NC Member of Parliament and Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, Farooq Abdullah said an assurance had been given in January that the business rules would be sent within two weeks. He questioned the delay, saying September had arrived without the promised action.
