‘Will take all sections, Jammuites, Kashmiris, Dogras, Buddhists, KPs along’
TDD Correspondent
Srinagar,(TDD): National Conference chief Dr Farooq Abdullah today joined Kashmiri Pandits in Dussehra festival in Srinagar and stated that time was ripe for dignified return of KPs back to their roots.
“Today’s event reminds us how truth won over evil when Ravan was defeated,” Dr Farooq said. He, however, said it was for the first time in five years he was invited to participate in Dusshera event. “I was MP for five years but was never invited. Today, they invited me and I am here,” he said.
Dr Farooq said that the new government will ensure that all are taken on board bet that Kashmiri Pandits, Dogras, Kashmiris, Jammuites, Buddhists and others. “We want KPs to return and live a dignified life again. I believe time has come when they should return,” he said. “We want to tell Jammu people that we are not their enemies. We want to take all along and march ahead.”
He said NC has never treated Jammu people differently. “When rebels raided J&K, what was the slogan. People of all religions raised slogan: Hamlawar hosyar, hum Kashmiri hai tayar.”
NC chief said another slogan was raised always when late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was in power. “Sher-e-Kashmir ka Irshad, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh itehad. We believe in this very slogan. This means to keep all sects and sections together,” he said.
Asked about whether political dignitaries have been invited for the oath ceremony, he said invitations have been sent to all only dates need to be conveyed. “President’s rule has to end first. And let us get the date for oath ceremony from Raj Bhawan,” he said. On who would be the ministers, NC chief said: “I can’t say that at this stage.”
Pertinently, yesterday evening, the Chief Minister designate Omar Abdullah presented the letters of support from NC, Congress, CPI(M), and four independents. He also staked claim for government formation. Later, talking to reporters Omar said: “Oath ceremony may take a few days as LG office has to forward the papers to Rahstrapati Bhawan first and then to Home Ministry. J&K is a UT and under Centres’ rule.” (TDD)
