Mudassir Kuloo
Srinagar, Apr 9: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah Tuesday said that Article 370 of the Constitution was permanent provision till a plebiscite is held in the state.
Addressing an election rally at Hazratbal on the banks of Dal Lake, Farooq said that upcoming parliamentary elections will decide whether India would remain “secular” or not.
“They (BJP) want to bloom only one rose. They want to make us slaves. Indian Muslims won’t live like slaves,” the National Conference president said, who is also party’s candidate for central Kashmir parliamentary seat.
He accused BJP of being responsible for killings in Kashmir.
“They are responsible for killings in the last five years. You spread hatred over the years and have forced youth, who faced harassment, to pick up the guns. How many dead bodies you want Rajnath Singh?” he asked, while saying that the Union Home Minister has said that ban on civilian traffic for two days won’t be revoked.
Referring to BJP’s manifesto, the former chief minister said that Article 370 of the constitution was permanent provision till plebiscite was held in the state.
“They want us to be slaves. We accede to India to get equal respect. Our accession is based on communication, foreign affairs, and defence. We have already passed a resolution for restoration of Autonomy to the state,” he said, asking people to vote in favour of NC candidates. “This election will decide whether India will remain secular or not.”
In the manifesto, the BJP said they are committed to abrogate Article 370 and Article 35 A. “We reiterate our position since the time of the Jan Sangh to abrogation of Article 370. We are committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir,” reads the manifesto.
Farooq claimed that BJP was leveling baseless allegations against him that he made “huge” money over the years. “I did not make any money. Whatever property I have is inherent or purchased from that property. Had I been their man (associated with BJP), I would have been like Anil Ambani. Where did the BJP get Rs 8,000 crore which they spent on newly constructed office in Delhi? Why don’t they talk about Rafale deal,” he said, while demanding that commission shall be set up to investigate who made money over the years.
He said that BJP has failed to win the hearts of people. “Prime Minister had said that Centre sanctioned Rs 80,000 crore to JK but Mehbooba Mufti told in assembly that state received only Rs 10,000 crore.”
He claimed that BJP was promising return of Kashmir Pandits to the Valley for votes. “What did BJP do for Pandits in the last five years? What happened to 10 crore jobs in 10 years,” he asked.
Apparently referring to a separatist turned mainstream, Farooq said, “Those who ate Pakistan s**t over the years have now joined hands with the BJP. One leader from Kashmir is contesting polls for the money. These people, who deceived the nation, will face punishment in this world.”
In a sarcastic tone, he said, “I am still young. I won’t die till I see the funerals of these people (senior BJP leaders.”
Party’s senior leaders Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mustafa Kamal were also present on the occasion. However, less than 300 NC supporters had turned up to participate in the rally.
