National Conference President Farooq Abdullah expressed optimism about the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland and called for unity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to the media, Abdullah emphasized the need for peace and reconciliation, stating, “The truth wins. You saw how the lie was burning and how the truth was rising. We are Indians and we want to support everyone.”
Addressing the question of Kashmiri Pandits, Abdullah was firm in his belief that it was time for them to return.
“They should come back home, and they should come back soon,” he said, adding that solutions for the region’s issues would encompass not only the Pandits but also the people of Jammu. “We have to behave well with them. They should also feel that they have no enemies in the National Conference,” he remarked.
Abdullah reflected on the historical unity of the people of Kashmir, recalling the time when Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs stood together against external threats. “When Kabali came, who was there to save us? Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah and the National Conference. We Kashmiris were ready—Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs.
And God willing, we will remain one,” he added.
On the political front, Abdullah hinted at the formation of the new government in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that he would invite Sonia Gandhi and other leaders of the opposition alliance to the event. “Why not? We will definitely invite them once the president’s rule is lifted, and the date is confirmed,” he said.
Abdullah also addressed the pressing issue of unemployment, especially among the youth, citing a severe shortage of doctors, nurses, paramedics, and teachers in the region.
He promised that addressing these job shortages would be a priority for his government. “The situation is very bad here. We have children ready to go forward, and my first priority will be to unite Jammu and Kashmir and remove the hatred,” he stated.
He reaffirmed that restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir remains at the top of the National Conference’s agenda. “We are already requesting that the state should be restored so that the state can work and we can get on with our job,” Abdullah concluded. (KNS)
