BJP supporting independent candidates in Kashmir: Omar Abdullah
Uri, Sept 26 : National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that Pahari and Gujjar communities got maximum facilities during our government. “Former minister Mohammad Shafi Uri Sahab was the main pillar of the education sector. As an education minister he recommended Pahari, Gujjar reservation and other things for these communities,” Omar said.
“No one can seize Pahari reservation. In fact, the National conference first recommended Pahari ST reservation in the 1980s. BJP backed people will only spread propaganda just to divide people on Pahari, Gujjar Kashmiri, Shia, Suni castes,” he said while addressing a public rally in Uri.
He lambasted BJP for trying to divide communities. “That is why BJP is not contesting on some seats and supporting the independent candidates,” Omar said.
Talking about the insecurity of Muslims in India, Omar said in the present scenario, Muslims of the country feel fear and harassment. “They are not feeling safe so let Kashmiris give a clear message this time to the PM,” he emphasised.
He said that Delhi wants to silence NC by backing independent candidates. “That is why these all A B C teams speak only against NC. No one among these independent candidates spoke against BJP. You can imagine the agenda of these independent candidates,” he said.
Omar added that those who had a deal with the BJP will not fulfil the people’s demands. “If you need evidence, look at their statements as they speak only against NC. That is why the BJP and Apni Party support Taj Mohiuddin in Uri,” Omar said adding, “Former minister Chaudhary Taj Mohiuddin is a proxy of BJP.”
NC Member of Parliament Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi while speaking on the occasion said that people have to give a reply to PM Modi by casting their vote this time. “We have to tell them what you are doing with Kashmiris is not acceptable to us. Resolve the Kashmir issue and give all our rights back to us otherwise the situation of J&K will not improve. Don’t take the silence of Kashmiris easily and sometimes silence also expresses anger. India is a secular country and PM Modi should understand the sentiments and emotions of Indian Muslims,” he said.
Former cabinet Minister Mohammad Shafi Uri said that BJP has a deal with some regional parties and independent candidates in Uri. “All BJP alliance parties and like-minded-people’s hand in glove with independent candidates.”
Shafi Uri also described a climate of disempowerment, economic distress and alienation among Kashmiris. “The removal of J&K special status was unconstitutional and eroded the region’s relationship with India while failing to address security concerns,” he said.
He also raised concern about the troubling picture of demographic changes and loss of local economic opportunities. Omar also announced that the National Conference will form the new government in J&K on October 8. “Sajad Shafi Uri will be part of the ministry,” he said. (KNS)
