Page 5 - Farooq Abdullah

Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti to attend Oppn meet in Bihar: Report

Jammu and Kashmir stalwarts Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti will be coming to the Bihar capital next week for the June 23 conclave of parties opposed to the BJP, a key political aide of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said on Sunday. JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan' made the disclosure at the party's Bihar headquarters here. "Leaders of altogether 18 parties have agreed to attend the meeting. National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, both former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, have also agreed to come", said Lalan. Earlier, Lalan had said leaders who had given their assent included Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge from Congress, besides Arvind Kejriwal (AAP), Mamata Banerjee (TMC), M K Stalin (DMK), Hemant Soren (JMM), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Akhilesh Yadav (SP) and Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena-UBT). JD(U) workers expressed their enthusiasm by raising "Nitish for PM" only to be ticked off by the national president who reminded them that the

Farooq Abdullah meets Deve Gowda, emphasises on unity of regional parties

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday emphasised upon regional parties coming together to fight the 2024 Lok Sabha election as it was necessary to save the country from being divided on religious lines. The National Conference president denounced films like 'Kashmir Files' and 'The Kerala Story', saying they were destroying India and its constitution by dividing people. Speaking to reporters after meeting former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda at his residence, the leader said India's diversity should be protected. "My message to everyone is India is unity in diversity. Let us protect the diversity. It will protect the unity of the country," Abdullah said responding to a query on the need to have a third front. When asked whether it was necessary for the regional parties to come together to fight the 2024 election against the BJP, Abdullah said, "The question is not BJP, it is the question of the nation. Do you want the nation to be divided on religious

Kashmir's situation won't improve till India, Pak hold dialogue: Abdullah

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said holding the G20 event in Kashmir will not benefit tourism in the Valley till India and Pakistan resolve the "future" of the Union Territory through dialogue. He also said Jammu and Kashmir was suffering heavy losses because of the lack of an elected government. "The question is whether we will benefit in terms of tourism arrivals from these countries? That cannot happen till the situation here does not improve and the situation will not improve till the two big countries do not hold dialogue on how to shape the future of this state," Abdullah told reporters here. The NC president was responding to a question whether holding of the G20 meeting in Srinagar would benefit the union territory. "We did. The roads which were in bad shape for many years were repaired. The walls got a fresh coat of paint. The street lights started working. So we did benefit from it," he said. Over lack of an elected government in J and K, Abdulla

Would rather wait for results than believe in exit polls: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said he would rather wait for assembly election results in Karnataka than believe in the exit polls. "We should wait for the results to come because I have seen that these polls can go anyway," Abdullah told reporters at Vihil Shopian, in south Kashmir, after he was asked to comment on the exit polls results. He was there to attend a party event. Most exit polls on Wednesday predicted a close contest between the Congress and the BJP in the high-stakes Karnataka Assembly polls with many pollsters giving an edge to the grand old party. Asked about the upcoming G20 tourism working group meeting in Kashmir, Abdullah, a former Union minister, said India hosting the summit this year was not something new as the grouping's host country changes every year. "G20 presidency goes to one of the 20 countries every year. This is not something new. The benefit of the G20 is that 20 countries present their problems, look for their ...

Support strong regional parties in next Lok Sabha polls: Abdullah to Oppn

Veteran politician and former Union minister Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the main opposition parties should support strong regional parties as he mooted a "one against one" strategy to take on the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. "I am not so sure of the Opposition's unity but as far as Lok Sabha elections are concerned I think the states matter now and all the opposition parties must realise that," Abdullah, 85, said. Giving an example, he said that if in West Bengal Mamata Banerjee is strong, "we must make sure that she does well, rather than creating hurdles for the TMC leader. Similarly, in Bihar Nitish (Kumar's JDU) and RJD, if they are doing well, don't create hurdles for them. Similarly in Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh (Yadav of SP) is doing well so let us not create such a situation. "And I think one of the most important things is that if you really want to beat them (BJP), then there should be one against one. Where a Congress candidate can win, let not another one stand.

Why elections being delayed in Jammu and Kashmir, asks Farooq Abdullah

Veteran politician and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Sunday wondered why there was a delay in holding Assembly elections in the Union territory and said it was time to have an elected government. In an interview to PTI Video, Abdullah, the 85-year-old Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, said that when BJP leaders announce publicly that they will win 50 seats in elections, what prevents them from holding the democratic exercise. Abdullah, who talked about a range of issues, again advocated for early resumption of dialogue with Pakistan for ensuring lasting peace in the subcontinent. The National Conference president also spoke about the country's decline on various fronts such as human rights issue, growing religious intolerance and corruption, saying "all these things don't augur well for this great nation". On the delay in conducting Assembly elections, Abdullah said as far as the government goes, it has been saying all the time that conditions are alright ...

Unfortunate that no G20 meetings were scheduled in Jammu: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Monday attacked the government, saying it is unfortunate that G20 meetings were scheduled in Ladakh and Kashmir but not in Jammu, and slammed BJP leaders for not raising the issue. He also opposed the settlement of non-locals in Jammu and claimed that the Dogra identity is under threat. "It is very unfortunate that G20 meeting can be held in Ladakh and Kashmir but not in Jammu. Is Jammu not important? It is sad that not a single BJP leader, even those who chanted 'Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Dogra, Dogra, Dogra' raised the issue. They have taken Jammu for granted believing that it is in their pocket," he told reporters on the sidelines of a NC function at its headquarters here. Asked about the public notice issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board seeking online applications from people, who have migrated to Jammu temporarily or permanently, for allotment of 336 flats under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Mission here, he

Badal was a leader who fought for truth, his demise is huge jolt: Abdullah

Parkash Singh Badal was a leader who worked for the country and fought for the truth, and his passing away is a huge jolt, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah said here on Wednesday. The Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch, who straddled the politics of Punjab over seven decades and was chief minister five times, died on Tuesday. He was 95. "The news about Badal's demise is very unfortunate. He was a tall leader in India. In fact, I will say that there was no leader like him. No one can forget the sacrifices he made for the country," Farooq Abdullah told PTI. He said there is no leader in the country who is not paying tributes to Badal as "he worked (for the people) and treated everyone equally, irrespective of religion, language". "He (Badal) worked for the country. Today, we have received a huge jolt as a tall leader has left us when the country is passing through a difficult period," the NC leader said. The Lok Sabha member from Srinagar said the biggest tribute to the

Farooq Abdullah's remarks on Poonch terror attack unacceptable: BJP

A day after National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah asked security agencies not to harass innocents during their operation against the perpetrators of a recent terror attack in Poonch, the BJP on Sunday said the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister's remarks are unacceptable as those could hamper the probe. The saffron party also said people should also understand the "ill motives" of the NC leadership, which is trying to create a wedge between communities by misusing such critical situations. "Abdullah accused investigation agencies of harassing common people in the name of the Poonch terror attack probe. He should not mislead people and rather ask them to join the probe to punish the culprits as soon as possible," senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kavinder Gupta said here. Five Army personnel were killed and one was seriously injured after their vehicle was attacked by terrorists in Poonch on Thursday. The soldiers were from a Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed

Don't harass innocents in Poonch attack investigation: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said security forces should not harass innocent people during their operation against the perpetrators of the Poonch terror attack that killed five Indian Army soldiers. "They have started operation in Pooch. They should not arrest innocent people. It was their mistake, they should not harass innocent people. It is wrong and it should be avoided, " Abdullah told reporters after offering Eid prayers at the Hazratbal shrine here. Five Army personnel were killed and another was seriously injured after their vehicle was attacked by terrorists in Poonch district Thursday. The soldiers were from a Rashtriya Rifles unit deployed for counter-terror operations. Abdullah also expressed surprise that Eid prayers were not allowed at the Jamia Masjid. "It is unfortunate that Eid prayers were not allowed at Jamia Masjid. I thought they were allowing the prayers there. The government is saying that situation is peaceful. Then why are they

Opposition has to unite to win elections against BJP: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said opposition parties will have to unite if they want to win elections against the BJP. The Lok Sabha member from Srinagar also said that discussions are going on and "I can see good results coming on the unity front (at the national level)". "Alliance is the only thing which will unite us. We cannot fight individually. That is why even the opposition parties at the national level are trying to find ways to unite so that we can win the elections," Abdullah said in response to a question by reporters at Larnoo in Anantnag district. He had gone to Larnoo to attend a condolence meeting. Asked about the issue of removal of certain portions related to Mughals from textbooks, Abdullah said history cannot be erased. "How will they forget Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb, Akbar, Babar, Humayun and Jahangir? They ruled for 800 years. No Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian felt threatened. When they will show Taj Mahal, what will they say who bu

Opposition leaders meets CEC, submits memorandum for early polls in J&K

Veteran politician from Jammu and Kashmir and Lok Sabha member Farooq Abdullah led a delegation of leaders from Opposition parties to meet the Election Commission (EC) to press for early assembly polls in the Union Territory. Jammu and Kashmir is without a legislative assembly and an elected government for the last five years, the National Conference (NC) leader said after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar here. "The CEC heard us and has assured that the commission would soon hold a meeting to discuss the issue," Abdullah said. The delegation informed the CEC and other members of the commission that the government has been claiming of restoring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and that now the onus is on the EC (to hold assembly elections), he said. "So, we asked why was the commission not taking note of the plight of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Abdullah, a three-time chief minister of the erstwhile state, said. In 2019, the Centre abrogated Article

J&K integral part of India: Abdullah demands restoration of statehood

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Saturday stressed again that Jammu and Kashmir is an intergral part of the india and reiterated the demand for restoration of its statehood.Addresing a press conference at Jammu, former chief minster questioned why elections were not being held in Jammu and kashmir. "It is very strange""Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. The people of J & K belong to this nation. We want statehood to be restored & elections to be held," he said.Farooq termed the decision of the centre to downgrade the state into a union territory a "tragedy"."First time in the history of the nation, a proud state was reduced to a UT, it was a tragedy," Farooq Abdullah, NC chief said.NC Patron said that India is a democratic country where the laws of constitution should be adhered by everyone.On being asked why elections were not being held in Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq said:" I do not have the magical wand to tell media why elections were not being

Hold elections in J&K if situation is normal: Farooq Abdullah to Centre

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said the Centre should hold the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir if its claims on return of normalcy to the Union Territory were true. Abdullah, who is a Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, also accused the central government of playing a gimmick with the people on the issue of the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. They (Centre) doesn't want to restore statehood. It is all a gimmick to mislead us and the world. They won't give it, he told PTI. The question arises that the government of India is saying the situation is normal in JK. The delimitation process has been completed. If elections are held everywhere, why not in Jammu and Kashmir? Abdullah asked. The former chief minister said the Centre has made the Lieutenant Governor the master of everything. Why has the LG been installed here and he has become the master of everything, he said. Asked about the administration issuing new orders enacting fresh la

Reducing Army presence in J-K prerogative of government: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said reducing the Army footprint in Jammu and Kashmir was a prerogative of the government. "That is a matter for the government. How much they will reduce or increase is their prerogative. I have no say in it," he told reporters at the National Conference headquarters here. The Lok Sabha member from Srinagar was responding to questions about a media report which claimed that the government is considering withdrawing the Army from the hinterland in Kashmir in a phased manner. Reacting to the government's reported decision to "halt" demolition drive in the union territory, the former chief minister said "It was due to the opposition of the people". "This has happened because of the noise made by the people. If people had not made noise, they would have intensified the drive. People should remember that they have the power to shake the government," he added.

Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra aims to unite country: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra was meant to unite the country and was against hatred being sown between communities for electoral gains. Stressing that people should unite for each other's welfare, he said hate will only lead to misery. The aim of the Yatra is to unite the nation and break the (walls of) hatred. The message of this march is that unless we unite and think together for the welfare of each other, we cannot make the nation that our forefathers had dreamt of and given sacrifices for, " Abdullah told reporters at Aushmuqam in Anantnag district. The NC president was in the south Kashmir town to attend a condolence meeting. Abdullah said hatred was being spread between communities in the country for "just winning the elections". This approach will not take the nation and people towards prosperity, it will only lead to misery," he added. Referring to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits thre

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The death toll stands at 530,728, the data updated at 8 am stated

Terrorism in J-K can be finished only by dialogue with Pak: Farooq Abdullah

Terrorism is alive in Jammu and Kashmir and can only be finished by holding dialogue with Pakistan, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said on Thursday

J-K can't develop until democratic rights are guaranteed: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has said the idea of all-round development of the people of Jammu and Kashmir will remain elusive until their basic democratic rights are guaranteed and respected. Abdullah said human rights are indispensable and inherent to the dignity of every human being. "The ruling dispensation is using J-K to climb the political ladder nationally by employing a narrative that is not corroborated by ground realities," said the Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar in his message on International Human Rights Day. Far from providing jobs to the youth, the incumbent ruling dispensation at the Centre, which is in direct control of J-K's affairs, has shown the door to hundreds of employed youth, Abdullah alleged. "There is not even a single selection process that hasn't ended in a scam. Our government employees are working under tremendous pressure. The sweeping takeover of labour rights by this government is a major concern for all of us. This trend needs to be

Farooq Abdullah re-elected as NC chief after presidential polls were held

Former chief minister and Lok Sabha member, Dr. Farooq Abdullah was re-elected unopposed as the president of the National Conference (NC) party on Monday