Srinagar, May 22: National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah today said the National Conference-led Government was not involved in the demolition drive in Jammu’s Sidhra area.Speaking to reporters after offering Friday prayers at Hazratbal shrine, Abdullah said that investigations are underway into those responsible for the demolitions. “We are not involved in it. Investigations are underway,” he said.The NC Chief said the issue was not confined to Sidhra and alleged that demolition drives were taking place in many places in Jammu. “It is not just in Sidhra. It is in many places in Jammu, where this attack has been carried out on the Muslims,” he said.
Referring to the Gujjar community, Abdullah said they had historically played a key role in protecting border areas and preventing enemy infiltration. “The Gujjar Muslims were among the strongest supporters of border security and played an important role in safeguarding the borders against enemy movement,” he said.
Asked about a BJP poster campaign in Jammu and Kashmir alleging that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was “missing” and inactive, the NC president dismissed the campaign, saying the BJP was free to pursue its own political agenda.
“BJP has nothing better to do. They have got their own campaigns. They know what they are doing. We do not have to answer for them,” he said.
On reports of strain in the National Conference-Congress alliance, Abdullah denied any differences and said speculation was being spread by political opponents. “I think it’s our enemies who are saying all this. The alliance is already there. The alliance is intact,” he said.
When asked about tensions involving Iran and the United States, Abdullah expressed hope that the conflict would end soon. “I hope that the war between Iran and the United States will end. And God willing, we will get out of this trouble,” he said.
Responding to a question about the killing of a terrorist in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir who was described as a mastermind, the former Chief Minister said killings and demolition of Muslim homes in Jammu were continuing simultaneously. “People are being killed every day. The houses of the Muslims are being demolished every day in Jammu,” he said.
On remarks by the PDP that a “Yogi Adityanath model” was being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah accused the PDP of being responsible for political developments in the region, including the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.
“Yes. They were the ones who made it. They are the ones who abrogated 370 and 35A. They are responsible. They are responsible for the destruction of our state,” he said.
“Now they are making noise. What is their job? I am sorry for this. They have no shame. They should look into the mirror. They are taking us towards destruction. Today they are beating the drums. They should first look at themselves,” he said.
