The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said that the failures of the incumbent administration on all fronts had exposed the BJP’s narrative against Article 370 as fake. .
Addressing a party convention in Samba. Abdullah said that the facts on the ground tell a different story. “The ruling dispensation misled people across the country that the abrogation of articles 370,35-A will draw militancy in J&K to a close. Has it happened?” Abdullah asked. “Targeted killings of non-locals, Kashmiri Pandits, local Muslims, Cops have brought back the horror of the 90s. Mass migration of Pandits, who had stayed back in Kashmir over the past thirty years is another reality of the post abrogation chapter unfolded by ruling BJP in Kashmir. Today Kashmir is marked by uncertainty.
Abdullah also highlighted the soaring unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir? “Didn’t BJP promise 50,000 jobs for our youth when they were banging the drum for articles 370,35-A abrogation. Where are those jobs?” he asked. Why are our educated, skilled and talented youth on the roads?”
Abdullah added that unending job search has taken a toll on the mental health of our promising youth in Jammu, Pir Panjal and Chenab.
“Now, since outsiders are eligible for jobs here, the employment prospects of our sons and daughters have dwindled further. Even the local sand and mining contracts are going to outsiders,” he said. “The plight of local marginal wholesalers and traders is no different. Many employees have been dropped out of the workforce in central power, tunnel building projects. Our local businesses in Jammu are on the verge of closing down, our traders are facing penury. Our youth see no light at the end of the tunnel.”
Earlier Abdullah resigned as National Conference president; citing health reasons
The party is now holding fresh election for the party president on December 5.
It is speculated that National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah will take over the party.
Abdullah announced his resignation at the party’s provincial office bearers meeting held in Srinagar. He is reported to have urged party leaders to take control of the situation and work towards strengthening the party.
“I will not be contesting for the post of president any longer,” Abdullah is reported to have said. “The elections for the post will be held on December 5. It is time for the new generation to take over the responsibilities.”
