Shabir Shah/Morning Kashmir
Keller, Shopian Sep 12:-National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, addressing a significant public rally in Keller, Shopian, clarified that while his party is not against India, they are firmly committed to reclaiming the state’s lost rights, specifically the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and Article 370.
“We are not enemies of India, but we demand the return of our statehood and Article 370,” Dr. Abdullah declared to an enthusiastic crowd, emphasizing that the revocation of J&K’s special status in August 2019 stripped the region of its autonomy and identity.
He made it clear that the call for the restoration of Article 370 and statehood is not a demand for separatism but for justice within the framework of the Indian Constitution. “We belong to this country, but we will not accept being reduced to a Union Territory with diminished rights. Our fight is for our dignity and constitutional guarantees,” he added.
Dr. Abdullah urged the people to stand united in the struggle for their rights and actively participate in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that voting is a critical step toward regaining their autonomy. “We can only achieve our goals through democratic means and dialogue,” he said.
The rally witnessed large-scale participation, with people from across the constituency showing strong support for the National Conference and its long-standing demand for the restoration of J&K’s special status and statehood.