Says people’s welfare, regional balance NC govt’s priorities
Jammu, Jan 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that as long as the plough-bearing flag of the National Conference (NC) continues to fly across Jammu and Kashmir, no power on earth will dare attempt to divide the region on regional or religious lines.
He was addressing the concluding session of the two-day Party Block Presidents’ Convention in Jammu. The convention, which commenced on Monday, was chaired by the Party President Dr Farooq Abdullah.
Addressing party functionaries, Omar highlighted his government’s “pro-people, pro-Jammu measures”: increased ration quotas, free bus rides for women, enhanced pensions, free land for landslide victims and the restoration of the historic Darbar Move. He stressed that initiatives across tourism, roads, healthcare, education and recruitment are driving Jammu back onto the path of progress and development.
Taking a sharp dig at BJP leaders, Omar said those who stopped the Darbar Move or celebrated the closure of a medical college cannot claim to be Jammu’s well-wishers. “Such narrow, divisive politics has harmed Jammu before and will continue to do so, something the NC government will never allow,” he said.
He reiterated that as long as the NC flag flies, no force can divide Jammu and Kashmir.
Targeting LoP Sunil Sharma, the CM said the bifurcation talk is a personal power play. “If he wants to be Chief Minister, why only Jammu and not J&K? If ambition drives him so much, let him contest Jammu municipal elections,” he said.
Omar added, “The BJP leaders’ dream of ruling would not extend beyond Kanak Mandi and Raghunath Bazar as the people of Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal will never support divisive agendas.” He warned that such “wishful and dangerous politics” will only harm Jammu’s interests, which the National Conference remains steadfast in protecting.
He further asserted that the National Conference has always stood firm in protecting the secular character of the region. “Despite being a Muslim-majority region, the people of Jammu and Kashmir chose to align with a secular India and remain steadfast despite persistent propaganda from across the border,” he added.
Among those present on the occasion were Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, Satish Sharma, Hon’ble MPs Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, AGS Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta, Hon’ble MLAs Ajaz Jan, Sajjad Shaheen, Javid Iqbal Choudhary, Er. Kursheed Ahmad, Provincial Secretary Sheikh Bashir and Sardar Harbans Singh, Advisor to Hon’ble Party President Dr Farooq Abdullah.
The convention witnessed extensive deliberations on improving the quality of life of the people, ensuring social justice, and reaffirming the National Conference’s historic and continuing role in shaping a peaceful, democratic, and secure future for Jammu and Kashmir.
Senior leaders reiterated that the National Conference carries a long and proud legacy of sacrifices in defence of democracy, secularism, and human rights. Several senior leaders and party workers also addressed the gathering, stressing the need for stronger organizational cohesion and grassroots-level empowerment.
The convention concluded with a firm resolve to continue the struggle for the welfare of the people and to work tirelessly towards the establishment of a democratic, secular and just society in Jammu and Kashmir. A detailed report of the deliberations and recommendations will be presented to Party President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the NC said.
