National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has said that the struggle for restoration of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s Special Status and statehood will continue, asserting that Special Status remains close to the hearts of the people and can never be erased from their minds.

According to Kashmir Media Service, addressing a gathering in Srinagar, Abdullah said Delhi’s lack of seriousness on restoration of statehood is a matter of concern and the union territory system is obstructing public interests and creating hurdles in addressing the grievances of common people, employees, traders, youth, artisans, farmers and orchardists.

He said the elected government was committed to regularizing daily-wagers, streamlining reservation, creating employment opportunities and ensuring accelerated development, but the UT system was creating numerous obstacles. Asserting that National Conference’s demand for statehood does not mean abandoning its struggle for constitutional and democratic rights of the people, he said the party was founded to safeguard the rights and democratic values of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and remains steadfast in its commitment. 

Abdullah said many Kashmiri youth have been languishing in jails for years and several others arrested during protests are still behind bars, adversely affecting their education and careers, while youth also face difficulties in verification for passports and employment, forcing repeated visits to offices.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)