‘How will India shine if…’: Farooq Abdullah on Jammu and Kashmir statehood

Calling for the Centre’s intervention for statehood, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday stressed that Jammu and Kashmir is “India’s crown” and its shine is crucial for the country’s overall progress.

“To ensure Jammu and Kashmir overcomes its challenges, the Centre’s support is crucial for restoring statehood, allowing the government in the region to function effectively,” said Abdullah.

“Jammu and Kashmir is India’s crown. If the crown doesn’t shine, how will India shine?” he asked.

Abdullah also announced that his party members will meet Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday to present a letter of support for government formation in Jammu and Kashmir.

“We will meet Manoj Sinha tomorrow with a letter of support to set a date for the swearing-in ceremony and the formation of the government. Once the LG provides a date, we will inform our elected members, who need to come from different parts of the Jammu region,” Abdullah added.

Speaking on the support from the AAP’s lone MLA, Mehraj Malik for the National Conference, Farooq Abdullah stressed the necessity of removing hatred to advance Jammu and Kashmir.

He warned that failure to do so would impede the progress of Jammu and Kashmir.