KATHUA/JAMMU, Jan 9: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah launched a strong condemnation of the current administration, accusing the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, of diverting the region’s electricity to Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, leaving the people of J&K to suffer. Speaking at a public rally in Kathua district, Abdullah emphasized the dire state of electricity in Jammu and Kashmir, criticizing the government’s decisions that he claimed had left the region’s residents without sufficient power while supplying neighboring states. “We are facing an electricity crisis here, but our own electricity is being sent to Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh,” Abdullah asserted, expressing frustration over the lack of consideration for the needs of J&K’s people.
He raised the issue of the loss of statehood, reiterating his long-standing demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, claiming that many challenges the region faces could not be addressed without it. He lamented that essential services, such as electricity, were being diverted while the region struggled. “Where will we go for electricity? Who thought about this?” Abdullah questioned, addressing the rally with a sense of urgency.
The NC president continued his criticism by reminding his audience of the political power dynamics, stating that, despite the current control by the LG and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), their political power, like the control over resources, would eventually dissipate. “One day, their power will be gone too. Just wait and see. The Almighty will bring justice, but it takes time,” he remarked, alluding to his belief in divine retribution.
Abdullah also highlighted the pressing need for the restoration of statehood, indicating that without it, the region would continue to face insurmountable challenges. “It is true that until statehood is restored, we cannot do many things. But that too will come soon,” Abdullah expressed, offering hope for a better future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Taking the opportunity to emphasize unity, Abdullah urged the people of the region to embrace harmony across religions, stressing that it was human beings, not religion itself, that misused it for personal gain. “Religion is good. Religion can never be bad. It is the people who have made religion look bad by misusing it,” he said, calling for a unified front. He went on to state that the region’s secular ethos should be preserved, citing his own background and the interconnectedness of the diverse communities in Jammu and Kashmir. “If I had been born in Jawaharlal Nehru’s house, I would have been a Kashmiri Pandit. And if Indira Gandhi had been born in my house, she would have been a Muslim,” he remarked, pointing to the shared heritage and experiences that bind people across religions.
Abdullah also expressed his concerns about the increasing inflation and rising corruption, issues that continue to plague the region. He drew attention to the soaring prices of essential goods, including medicines, and the widespread corruption that, he claimed, had taken root in every facet of society. “Today, corruption has reached such heights that money is demanded for everything, as if money can take us to God,” Abdullah said, vowing that those involved in corruption would be held accountable.
The NC leader did not hold back in criticizing the current government for its unfulfilled promises. He reminded the people of the promises made by the government during the electoral campaigns and noted the lack of tangible progress. “You voted for them because they told you that you were in danger. But for ten years, they have ruled over you and yet they couldn’t even build a primary school,” Abdullah lamented, pointing out the government’s failure to address basic needs.
He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision to discontinue the traditional Darbar Move, a long-standing practice in Jammu and Kashmir, and reflected on the negative consequences it had for the people. “At that point, they celebrated the move with slogans, couplings, and sweets. Now, you are being removed from your houses, your lands are being snatched, and your government jobs are being given to outsiders,” Abdullah stated. He promised that, under his leadership, the NC would work to resolve the issues faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In closing, Abdullah stressed the importance of collective efforts in building a prosperous and unified state. “If one eye is Jammu, then the other is Kashmir. If one eye loses its vision, can you see clearly?” he rhetorically asked, reinforcing the idea that the region’s future depends on the cooperation and unity of all its people. He called for a concerted effort, regardless of religious affiliation, saying, “If we want to build this state, then all people, whether they are Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, or anyone else, must work together.” Abdullah concluded his speech by calling for honesty and integrity in public service. He emphasized that the region could only move forward if corruption was eradicated and progress was achieved through honest efforts. “If you work with honesty, you must continue to work with honesty. Dishonesty must be eliminated to pave the way for progress,” Abdullah concluded, urging the people of Jammu and Kashmir to embrace a future built on truth and collective effort.