Farooq dares NIA to bring out results of crackdown on separatists
Former Chief Minister and Member of Parliament, Farooq Abdullah on Friday said he would not acknowledge the raids carried out by National Investigation Agency (NIA), in the state until it brings out some results.
“I will acknowledge the NIA raids only if they bring any consequences,” he said.
Addressing media persons on the sidelines of a function to mark death anniversary of his father Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, Farooq said nobody would bow down due to the torture of the NIA and the Government of India.
“If they (raids) are being conducted to threaten people and to torture them, then I would like to tell the Centre and the NIA that no matter how much they torture us, nobody will bow down before them,” he added.
The NIA on Thursday carried out searches at 11 more locations i.e. nine in Kashmir valley and one each in Jammu and Gurugram, in connection with the Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case and Line of Control (LoC) Trade case.
Abdullah also urged the centre to release Hurriyat leaders and instead probe the money spent by the Indian government to weaken his party National Conference.
The flamboyant NC leader said that the NIA raids are aimed at creating a turbulent situation in the Valley.
“I will consider these raids (valid) only if something substantial comes out. If it is just to scare them, then… I would like to tell the Government of India that no matter how much atrocities they commit, people here (in Kashmir) will not sell their ideals,” said Abdullah.
He said that Hurriyat leaders should be released “so that they can tell Home Minister what they have to tell.”
He also asked the central probe agency to investigate the money spent by government to fragment NC.
Abdullah also took a dig at the BJP-led government for what he said trying to “muzzle voices raised against the RSS”.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah highlighted the spirit of selfless service and sacrifice that formed the core of Sher-e-Kashmir’s legacy and said his vision should continue to guide the party in the service of the people.
“Sher-e-Kashmir taught us to put the needs and aspirations of the people before all temptations of power. He chose to spend more than two decades in jail cells but never compromised on his ideology and his courage. He lived his life for the poor and disempowered and every battle he fought was a righteous battle to uphold the dignity of the State and its people. His vision of a diverse yet inclusive and united Jammu and Kashmir acted as a unifying bond in the State and today, in the face of divisive forces and their nefarious designs, it is imperative that we hold on to that vision and ensure nobody divides us”, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said.
He said the assault on the State’s special status was a challenge that should unite everyone who is sincere towards the people and is committed to defend the State’s unique political and cultural identity.
“The assault on Article 35-A is an assault on our soul and our identity and we should all unite to defend our honour. The powers that be are using myths and distortions to support their long-cherished goal of weakening J&K from within but in the end the truth always prevails. Article 35-A is not for any one region or religion of the State but is an article of faith and honour for all regions and religions. The party’s outreach and awareness programme is being met with overwhelming response in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions and this is a proof of our unity in standing up for our rights as one State and one people irrespective of our religion, region, caste or creed”, Dr. Farooq Abdullah added.
NC, Working President Omar Abdullah also paid glowing tributes to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah on his 35th Death Anniversary and said Sher-e-Kashmir’s struggle to defend the State’s political identity was ongoing in the face of recent challenges that we have to overcome as one people.
“Sher-e-Kashmir spent his life struggling for all of us and for our political aspirations and rights. Today as we commemorate his 35th Death Anniversary, we are confronted with a new assault on the State’s special status both from within the State and from outside the State. Those who have always dreamt of weakening our special status are now in an alliance with a party from within our State and are using this Trojan Horse to the hilt to divide us and rob us of our rights. The best tribute to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah would be to fight against these forces with full political might and ensure their evil goals are nipped in the bud. National Conference will continue to reach out to the people in all the three regions of the State to evolve a strong and resolute consensus on the grassroots level”, Omar Abdullah said.
Similar commemorative functions were held across the State in all the three regions where speakers paid glowing tributes to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah. On this occasion, a delegation from Leh travelled to Srinagar to participate in the commemorative function here and paid tribute to Sher-e-Kashmir.
Senior National Conference Leaders including NC General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Additional General Secretary Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, Senior Leaders Abdul Rahim Rather, Chaudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Mian Altaf Ahmed, Mubarak Gul, Muhammad Akbar Lone, Sakina Ittoo, Sharif-ud-din Shariq, Shameema Firdous, Mir Saifullah, Muhammad Syed Akhoon besides other senior leaders, legislators and functionaries also participated in the commemorative function and spoke on the occasion after offering Fateha at Qaid Mazaar.
KV Correspondent
