Srinagar, June 11,: National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Thursday called for international attention to reported killings in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, urging the United Nations human rights bodies to intervene and prevent further loss of life in the region.
Addressing reporters, Abdullah alleged that several people had been killed and that repression was continuing in the area. He appealed to the United Nations to take cognizance of the situation and intervene to stop what he described as ongoing rights violations.
The veteran politician also spoke extensively on Jammu and Kashmir’s political future, reiterating his party’s demand for restoration of statehood and greater powers for the elected government.
Referring to the proposed National Conference protest seeking restoration of statehood, Abdullah said his party would not invite any political party to participate and that those who wished to support the cause were free to join on their own.
On the issue of governance, Abdullah criticized the existing administrative arrangement in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that excessive powers remain vested with the Lieutenant Governor while the elected government operates under significant constraints.
“The Lieutenant Governor is not an elected representative but a nominee of the Government of India,” Abdullah said, adding that greater authority should rest with the elected government rather than unelected institutions.
He maintained that the present system has created difficulties for the elected administration and said governance would be more effective if powers were transferred to representatives chosen by the people.
The National Conference leader also blamed the Centre’s policies for what he termed continuing political instability in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the circumstances under which the erstwhile state acceded to India should be revisited and the commitments made at that time reviewed. [KNT]
