Srinagar, Sep 1: Former chief minister and Member Parliament, Farooq Abdullah on Saturday hit out at the separatists and New Delhi over poll boycott and Article 35A.
Urging people to participate in the upcoming Panchayat and urban local body elections, Farooq said these polls were for the development of the state.
“There are some people who have called for poll boycott are making fortune out of people’s miseries. They want to keep the pot boiling, as it suits their interests while our economy is getting affected. Our hotels are empty, tourists are not coming, and traders are suffering,” he said while addressing the launch of India Post Payments Bank at SKICC here.
“They (separatists, militants) won’t let these polls take place. They don’t peace here,” Farooq, a senior National Conference leader, said.
The militant outfit Hizbul-Mujahideen has threatened to “use acid on people participating in the polls”.
Hurriyat, on the other hand, has asked people to stay away from the forthcoming panchayat and municipal elections.
Farooq said New Delhi was equally to be blamed for their attempts to abrogate Article 35A.
“What is the need to abrogate it? People feel upset because of these attempts by New Delhi, which leads to uncertainty in the Valley. Delhi has to win the hearts and minds of people here,” he said.
He said that panchayat and urban local bodies’ elections were important for the future of Kashmiri youth. “If you want to make future of children bright, then participate in elections. We have to make them competent to compete with the youth of India and it is only possible through development,” he said.
“We cannot compete if our schools are closed. I remember times when state employees wanted Hartals to remain in their home. First we have to take state out of this quagmire. Time will come when India and Pakistan ties will improve,” he said.
He asked people to vote for right candidates.
“These polls are not for India and Pakistan but for betterment of the state,” he said.
The National Conference leader said that people will get benefited from the services of post office. “It has become bank now everyone can get benefited by it. Those who take loan will have to pay back,” he added.