Srinagar: Reacting to the detention of leaders who were about to protest on the reservation issue, National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said his government is working hard for progress in Jammu and Kashmir, but some leaders want the Valley to remain disturbed, which he said will not be allowed.
Speaking to reporters during a media interaction in Pahalgam, Abdullah said the government should be questioned on the demands being raised, not pushed toward unrest. “Tell those leaders what are they asking for? Our government is doing its best,” he said.
Abdullah said certain leaders are not comfortable with the development work happening in J&K and want turmoil instead.“They don’t like that the government is progressing. They want turmoil in the Valley. We won’t let that happen,” he added.
He said the reservation issue is important, but turning it into street conflict or political tension will not help society. He added that development and stability will continue.“We want progress, not conflict. Development will go on, but we will not allow chaos to take over again,” he further said.
When asked about his message for the new generation, Abdullah urged youth to stay united and move forward peacefully. “We should live in brotherhood, we should live together, in unity, harmony and friendship, and move forward,” he said.
On a question about radicalization in the region, the NC president said extremism is a wider problem and also hoped for peace in Bangladesh. “Where is there no radicalization? Look at what is happening in Bangladesh. May Allah make it better. May peaceful elections happen there, a new government comes, and we move toward friendship,” he said.(KNS)
