Claiming that Kashmir is peaceful and that a lot of people are going there won’t stop terrorism: From Farooq to the Center
JAMMU, DEC 24 : Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Sunday told the central government that terrorism in the Union Territory cannot be uproted by beating the drums of peace and normalcy and increasing the number of tourists.
“We have to find a way out to end terrorism. Only by shouting that the situation in Kashmir is peaceful and large numbers of tourists are visiting, terrorism will not end,” Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of a book release function here.
On the killing of a retired police officer in Baramulla, he said, “I fail to understand that those who are doing it, how they will achieve their goal.”
“We were part of India, we are part of India and will remain part of India,” he said, adding that the Government of India must give a thought that only the army and police will not bring terrorism to an end. We need to go to the foundation, which must be set correctly to end the terrorism,” he added.
On the Rajouri-Poonch situation, Abdullah said, “the Government of India claims that all is well and it was Article 370 that was responsible for terrorism but what is happening now. Has terrorism come to an end. They need to find out the solution.”
“Where are those who used to raise their fingers at us?” he questioned.
He said, “our soldiers lost their lives in the terrorist attack. Our police personnel detained some locals. Are we fighting terrorists or our people? If we are fighting with our people then we can never win this.”
“I want to request the Home Minister Amit Shah to visit Surankote to address people’s sentiments. It is important that he tells people that they would investigate the issue and put it in front of people. It is a serious situation and violation of human rights,” said the NC leader.
On the preparedness for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, he said, “we were ready for Panchayat, DDC and Municipal elections but what put the government to be on back-foot and they withdrew the notification on elections.”
“My message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir is to always be ready for the polls,” he said. (UNI)
