SRINAGAR: National Conference President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Monday likened the challenge of running the government in the Union Territory under current circumstances to “walking on the edge of a sword.”
Speaking to reporters, Abdullah acknowledged the difficult environment but emphasised the need for continued governance. “To run the government in the current scenario is just like walking on the edge of a sword, but we have to run the government,” he said.
He reiterated that the restoration of statehood remains a crucial demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Statehood is an important issue, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir hope it will be restored,” he said, stressing that the focus must remain on pressing the central government in Delhi for its fulfilment.
Asked about the ongoing row around separatist leader Yasin Malik, Abdullah declined to offer any detailed comment, stating, “The matter is before the court, and the court will decide.”
Commenting on the controversial slapping of the Public Safety Act (PSA) against independent Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, Abdullah expressed disapproval. “The PSA on Mehraj Malik is not justified,” he said, although he also criticised the MLA’s use of “unparliamentary language.” He added that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Lieutenant Governor, not the elected representatives.
On the recent discussions around the reduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST), Abdullah said the issue of statehood must take precedence. “It is better to talk about statehood than GST,” he remarked, underlining that political and constitutional guarantees are more significant for the region’s future than economic tweaks.
Farooq Abdullah’s comments reflect the National Conference’s continued push for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
