Jammu: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah asserted on Tuesday that Pakistan would never succeed in Jammu and Kashmir, saying those who wanted the region to align with Pakistan have failed.
The former chief minister emphasised India’s strength in diversity and urged efforts to foster unity and eliminate hatred for peace, progress, and national development.
While speaking to reporters at Jammu’s iconic Ragunath market, Abdullah expressed optimism about the new government’s role in advancing development in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We must continue to counter terrorism as we have done over the years, face this issue head-on, and overcome it,” he said. He reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir is the “crown of India” and will remain so, stressing that Pakistan will not prevail.
Abdullah warned that religious hatred threatens national unity, stating, “We must maintain diversity, regardless of religion or language. We are all Indians and should stand united, as our nation depends on it.”
Reflecting on Ragunath Bazaar’s decline since the Lt Governor ended the bi-annual ‘darbar move’ in 2022—a practice started by the Maharajas for the government to alternate between Srinagar and Jammu—he expressed hope for its revival, citing its role in strengthening ties between the two regions. Abdullah said the NC aims to improve infrastructure, including roads and electricity, in the area.
He shared his own hopes for the current government, including eradicating unemployment by creating jobs for young people, enabling Jammu and Kashmir to move forward.
He also mentioned that once statehood is restored, local officers would resume high-ranking roles, noting that, historically, local officials have effectively governed the region.
