New Delhi, August 04, 2023 (PPI-OT): National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah critisizing the Narendra Modi led Indian government on its narrative regarding the recently held G20 meeting in Srinagar has called for holding dialogue with Pakistan to resolve issues amicably and improve situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah was addressing an event organised by the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi under the theme “Five years without elected administration and human rights situation in J and K”. Number of distinguished speakers from politics, economics, social service and civil services participated in the discussion.
The NC leader said, “Holding G20 event in Kashmir will not benefit tourism in the Valley till Pakistan is not roped in for talks”, adding, “There is no substitute to talks with Pakistan. Some people might not like what I’m saying but that’s the reality.” Referring to the G20 meeting and the makeover Srinagar city witnessed prior to it, he said, “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. The question is whether we will benefit in terms of tourism arrivals from Western countries? That cannot happen till the situation improves and that will not happen till both India and Pakistan sit on a table and resolve all the pending issues amicably”. He went on to say that the authorities weren’t able to take the visiting dignitaries to Dachigam, which is just 17 Kms away from Srinagar or to Gulmarg, adding the pomp and show was only confined to one designated route leading to the main venue where the high profile meeting was held.
Farooq Abdullah criticised the Modi government’s handling of the IIOJK situation, stating that turmoil has persisted over the years. Expressing concerns about the rising communal division in India, he said whatever is currently happening in the country is a matter of great concern as it goes completely against the ideologies of the founding fathers of India. Other opposition leaders present at the event supported the demand for holding elections in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and expressed concerns about the trust deficit between New Delhi and leaders from IIOJK.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor while supporting the demand for holding elections in Jammu and Kashmir expressed concern about the humanitarian aspects of search and cordon operations, urging for a more compassionate approach. Sitaram Yechury of CPM questioned the delay in holding elections despite the completion of the delimitation process. Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami expressed dissatisfaction with the New Delhi appointed ruling dispensation in Kashmir.
The event also saw participation from Ladakh where from an activist and politician, Sajjad Hussain Kargili highlighted the ongoing protests in Ladakh following the abrogation of Article 370. He questioned the constitutionality of removing statehood from a region. During the event, a report was released, focusing on the five-year period when IIOJK did not have an elected administration and the human rights situation in the region. The report was prepared by a forum comprising former Indian home secretary GK Pillai, Radha Kumar (one of the former interlocutors in Jammu and Kashmir), retired Indian Supreme Court judges, Chief Justices of High Courts, and retired bureaucrats.
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