National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has issued a strong statement to the Central Government regarding its position on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, raising direct questions about the administration's silence over recent reports of civilian deaths and turmoil in the region. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister asserted that if India officially maintains PoK as an integral part of the nation, the government cannot remain silent while people in that territory face violence and severe hardships.
Questioning Government Silence on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
Dr. Abdullah focused heavily on what he characterized as a contradiction between official territory claims and public responses to ongoing conflict in PoK. He stated that taking a firm stance on PoK being Indian territory requires active intervention when human rights issues arise. He questioned why top government representatives have not issued formal statements calling for an immediate end to killings and atrocities, noting that no clear official position has been voiced regarding the latest incidents in the region.
Appeals Sent to UN Human Rights Bodies, PM, and External Affairs Minister
In response to the situation across the border, Dr. Abdullah revealed that he has repeatedly reached out to both global forums and national leadership. He formally appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Commission to intervene by sending a representative delegation to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He urged the UN commission to evaluate the ground reality, inspect human rights conditions directly, and assist in resolving the ongoing problems. Additionally, Dr. Abdullah stated that he has repeatedly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister to take official note of the PoK situation and intervene proactively.
Rising Youth Unemployment, Drug Addiction, and Student Agitation in J&K
Turning to internal matters within Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference leader expressed deep concern over pressing socio-economic challenges affecting local youth, identifying widespread unemployment as one of the most critical issues confronting the region. He also highlighted the expanding threat of drug abuse among young people and criticized heavy-handed administrative tactics executed under the banner of security. Regarding ongoing student protests, Dr. Abdullah cautioned authorities against punitive actions such as filing FIRs, making arrests, or harassing young protesters. He warned that if promises made to students are broken, the student movement will persist and expand, noting that the student community has awakened and will carry the struggle forward.
NC Shifted Delhi Statehood Protest Venue to Prithviraj Road
Dr. Abdullah also addressed political mobilization efforts by National Conference legislators focused on restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Party MLAs had scheduled a major protest in New Delhi on July 20 to press their statehood demands at Jantar Mantar. However, on July 20, workers from the Cockroach Janta Party were already conducting a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Due to the pre-existing occupation of the site by CJP members, the National Conference altered its logistics and moved the demonstration venue to Prithviraj Road in New Delhi.
