Shadow Correspondent
KISHTWAR JULY 23
Describing National Conference a mass movement and representative of marginalised segments of the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, senior party leaders on Tuesday pledged to give the state a strong, stable and responsive government.
“People of the state are craving for peace and good governance, which can be ensured by National Conference alone” General Secretary Haji Ali Mohammed Sagar said while addressing workers convention here this afternoon. Mr Sagar said that times bear testimony that NC never compromised its political agenda and high values of secular democratic ethos. “We have braved the brunt of highhandedness, animosity and false propaganda. Our leaders and workers were made to suffer severely in different periods but nobody could shatter our firm faith in our political agenda”, he said and cautioned against the machinations being perpetrated by anti-people forces to weaken the party.
“They have no agenda for public good or the betterment of the State. They have joined hands only to put hurdles in the forward movement of National Conference to seek permanent peace and youth welfare in the State”, he said and added that these elements have neither in the past deterred National Conference nor at present will be able to do so as people fully recognize them as a spent force. The General Secretary said that National Conference, being the peoples’ movement has always surmounted the challenges with resilience and fortitude at the strength of its dedicated cadre and would do so always with a sense of commitment. He exhorted the cadre to gear up for challenges unfolded by the divisive elements and help in retaining the sheen of this state, which is a repository of unity and tranquility. He also urged them to fan out in their respective areas and help in building a society based on trust, love and compassion, as envisioned by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal castigated divisive forces and said that solidarity of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is the corner stone of National Conference’s political agenda. He said NC will always work for the inclusive and equitable development of all areas of the State. Dr Kamaal said that public support has been the fountain head of National Conference and its strength is deep rooted in all the regions and sub-regions of the State.
He said the popularity of National Conference and its leadership is for its truthfulness, state-forwardness, public commitment and firm political and development agenda. He said National Conference stands for the unity, amity, solidarity and brotherhood of Jammu and Kashmir.
Provincial President Mr Devender Singh Rana, while addressing the convention expressed concern over attempts being made to vitiate the political atmosphere in the state and said politics of hate and intolerance is a real threat to democracy that is needed to be fought collectively by the democratic forces.
Mr Rana cautioned divisive forces against playing communal and regional politics, saying this could jeopradise the time tested unity and tranquility of the State. He said Jammu and Kashmir has been a shining example of communal and regional unity which is needed to be promoted and sustained, especially in the prevailing hostile conditions. “We have always nurtured secular-democratic society and our ideology for inclusive and equitable development and upliftment of weaker sections and those living in far-flung and remote areas is the focal point of our policy programme”, he said and added that NC would take all steps to seek peace and prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir. He also sought overwhelming support for National Conference and said vote to the party would mean vote for peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
Former minister and MLC Mr Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo said National Conference has a track record of public service and it has never played with the sentiments of the people, unlike divisive political entities who have been generating passions on regional and religious issues.
Mr Kichloo said National Conference alone can bring peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and ensure its progress and development by providing equal opportunities to the people of all the regions and sub-regions.
Provincial Youth National Conference President Mr Ajaz Jan also spoke on the occasion and urged the people in general and the youth in particular to exhibit their firm faith in National Conference and its political agenda.
He urged the youth to play their designated role in steering the state to peace, prosperity and development.
Prominent among those who addressed the convention included District President Mr Tanveer Ahmed Kichloo, Syed Asgar Ali, Mr Rafiq Ahmed Shah, Qazi Jalal-ud-Din, Mr Pyare Lal Sharma, Mr Imtiaz Zargar, Mr Shakeel Ahmed, Mr Kartar, Mr Abid Magrey and others.
