‘I am Indian, not Pakistani’
Arun Jasrotia
Udhampur, (TDD): In a bold statement that could reshape the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, former Chief Minister and National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has made two significant promises if his party returns to power.
Speaking to the media in Udhampur today, Dr. Abdullah pledged to reinstate the historic Darbar Move practice and work towards restoring Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state.
The Darbar Move, a 150-year-old practice initiated by Maharaja Hari Singh, involved the biannual shift of the state capital between Jammu and Srinagar. Dr. Abdullah emphasized that discontinuing this tradition had severed an important bond between the two regions and caused economic harm to both.
“If our government is formed, I will do two things. First, I will bring back the Darbar Move. Its discontinuation has harmed both Jammu and Kashmir,” Dr. Abdullah stated. He added that the practice was not just an administrative exercise but a relationship between the two regions that the current administration had terminated.
In addition to reviving the Darbar Move, Dr. Abdullah also committed to restoring Article 370. “We will bring back Article 370 and ensure that Jammu and Kashmir regains its state status. This is our solemn vow,” he declared.
The veteran politician also criticized the BJP’s governance in the region, questioning their claims of development and job creation. He challenged the BJP to explain what they had actually done for Jammu, pointing out issues such as unemployment, outsourcing of contracts and labor, and the lack of local representation in key administrative positions.
Farooq Abdullah claimed that when the Delhi-bound Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked 25 years ago, he told the then BJP-led government at the Centre not to release the three terrorists in exchange for freeing the hostages he questioning who had pressured the government to release terrorists. He claimed he had warned against releasing those terrorists, predicting it would lead to destruction.
Abdullah emphasized the importance of the National Conference, stating that without it, Kashmir might have become part of Pakistan. He said they chose to follow the path of Nehru and Gandhi, envisioning an India where people of all religions could live equally.He criticized the BJP for spreading hatred and supported Rahul Gandhi’s call to “close shops of hatred and open shops of love.” Abdullah went further, saying they need to “sink the vehicle of hatred and send the vehicle of love across India.”
Abdullah asserted that India’s sun would rise from its crown (referring to Kashmir). Responding to statements from Pakistan’s foreign minister, he declared that he doesn’t care what Pakistan says, as he is an Indian resident, not Pakistani.
Overall, Abdullah defended his party’s role in Kashmir’s history, advocated for religious harmony, and reaffirmed his commitment to India while criticizing divisive politics.
Its need to me mentioned here that The Delhi-bound flight was hijacked on December 24, 1999, less than an hour after it took off from Kathmandu. As per the demands of the hijackers, the Centre released Maulana Masood Azhar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar — all high-profile terrorists.(TDD)
