J-K govt’s push for statehood, not Article 370 ‘very painful’: Engineer Rashid

Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, commonly known as Engineer Rashid, expressed deep concerns on Friday, October 18, over reports suggesting that the Jammu and Kashmir (JK) government passed a resolution seeking only the restoration of statehood and not Article 370. Rashid described this move as “very painful” and a departure from the National Conference (NC)’s principled stand.

The report, first published by the Jammu-based newspaper Daily Excelsior, indicated that the JK cabinet had passed a resolution urging the Centre to restore statehood, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reportedly planning to present the draft to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. However, no official confirmation or denial has been made regarding this resolution.

At a press conference, Rashid emphasized that Abdullah had contested the elections based on promises of restoring both Articles 370 and 35A, along with statehood. He criticized the focus solely on statehood, stating it appeared Abdullah was aligning himself with the BJP. “The prime minister and the home minister have already promised statehood several times. So why is Omar seeking something the BJP is ready to give? It seems like he is shying away from the key issues of Article 370 and 35A, which is a betrayal of the people’s trust,” Rashid remarked.

Rashid accused the NC of playing a “hide-and-seek” game with the BJP, suggesting that the resolution on statehood was a distraction from larger political issues. He likened Abdullah’s actions to those of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who transitioned from being the Prime Minister to the Chief Minister, which Rashid saw as a betrayal of Kashmiri aspirations.

Rashid further criticized Omar Abdullah’s behavior on the day of his swearing-in, particularly his attire changes, implying it reflected a lack of seriousness about JK’s pressing issues. He called for Abdullah to clarify whether his government would fully stand for JK’s rights, asking if Kashmiris would have to wait indefinitely under BJP rule for their rights.

In conclusion, Rashid urged the government to restore the bi-annual ‘Darbar Move’ practice, which shifts the seat of power between Jammu and Srinagar, as a symbol of unity between the two regions. He also called on the NC leadership to remain committed to their promises and the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

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