National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday stepped up his criticism of the Centre, saying Jammu and Kashmir was going through a difficult period and asserting that his party would continue to press for the restoration of statehood.
Speaking to reporters after an NC protest in Srinagar, Abdullah said the Centre had given assurances regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood but had not yet acted on the promise.
“J&K is facing tough times. The Centre promised us statehood, but it has neither been restored nor have the business rules been sent to us,” Abdullah said.
The NC president said his party would not compromise on its demand until the commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir were fulfilled. He maintained that the Centre must take concrete steps on statehood and other pending administrative matters.
Abdullah also criticised people in Jammu and Kashmir who had supported the abrogation of Article 370. He said those who backed the move would eventually have to answer for their decisions before the Almighty.
The NC leader said the party’s protest was also intended to send a wider political message that people in Jammu and Kashmir would not remain silent over issues they believe affect the region’s rights and political status.
“Today we showed them that we will not remain silent anymore. We will never bow our heads to the Centre,” Abdullah said.
His remarks came amid renewed political activity in Jammu and Kashmir, with the NC continuing to demand the restoration of statehood and raising concerns over the Centre’s handling of the region’s administrative and political affairs.
