Omar vows to protect political rights of state

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, December 5

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said he will protect his grandfather and National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s dream to “safeguard the political rights” of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with his “blood”.

Omar, who addressed a gathering of party workers at Sheikh Abdullah’s mausoleum at Hazratbal, vowed to protect his grandfather’s dreams. Sheikh Abdullah, whose 109th birth anniversary was observed today, had founded the National Conference 75 years ago and was called Sher-e-Kashmir — Lion of Kashmir — by his party and friends.

“Sher-e-Kashmir’s legacy is one of sacrifices and struggles for his people and that legacy is in stark contrast to the Machiavellian plans of political marauders and their local stooges who are talking about an apparent political conquest of Kashmir. Sheikh Abdullah spent 23 years in prison to protect the political aspirations of our people and the cause of J-K’s political dignity and special status remained close to his heart till he lived,” Omar said.

“The National Conference will stand in stoic defense of the state of J-K and its political interests. Nobody should have an iota of doubt about this. I will protect Sher-e-Kashmir's dream with my blood,” the CM said.

Omar, who is also the working president of National Conference, said the controversial remarks by BJP ministers “brought to fore an inherent animosity against minorities”. “Let me make it very clear to BJP that the minorities of India are not punching bags to take such comments from your leaders and ministers. The people of Kashmir are not objects of ridicule that you come here riding on a multi-crore media blitz to stereotype us as medieval beings,” he said.

Omar reiterated his party’s commitment to safeguard Article 370.