Restore statehood ahead of polls: Abdul Gani Vakil

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Srinagar, February 18

The People’s Conference has advocated for the restoration of the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as a confidence building measure ahead of the forthcoming Parliamentary elections in the Union Territory.

In a statement here today, the party vice-president and former minister Abdul Gani Vakil said that to ensure wider participation in the electoral process, some confidence building measures need to be taken, including the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Vakil asked the Central government to grant statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and provide a special employment package for unemployed youth in the region to encourage greater participation in the elections. “He stressed the rejuvenation of the fruit industry, which supports thousands of families in the area,” the statement said.

The statement said Vakil expressed concern over the plight of daily wage workers and called for their regularisation before the elections, emphasising that fulfilling this commitment would bolster the government’s credibility.

The statement said Vakil accused the National Conference of deceiving the public for political gain. “Vakil criticised recent statements by Dr Farooq Abdullah regarding a potential alliance with the NDA, alleging that such actions underscore the party’s willingness to compromise principles for power.”

“Vakil urged party workers to advance their efforts for the upcoming Parliament elections, emphasising the need for credible representatives who will address the genuine concerns of the people,” the statement added. “He also criticised past MPs from the Kashmir Valley for their absenteeism in Parliament and failure to address the region’s issues effectively,” the statement added.