Srinagar: National Conference president and Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday asked Army and police not to repeat Pulwama like incidents and also expressed hope that New Delhi and governor shall ensure such incidents are not repeated. Seven civilians were killed and nearly thirty others injured when government forces resorted to indiscriminate firing on people soon after a gunfight ended with the killing of three militants and a soldier.
Farooq also congratulated Basharat Bukharari and Peer Mohammad Hussian, the former PDP senior leaders into party fold and expressed hope that they will discharge their duties “with loyalty.”
He thanked Allah for “creating a situation wherein good people are getting into the party fold.”
“The need of the hour is to get people out of these difficult times and we need good people. Thanks to Allah for creating situation that we are getting good people into party fold. I on behalf of myself and party welcome them.”
Asked about his opinion regarding political developments unfolding in the state especially leaders joining NC, Farooq said: “I feel that they have taken a virtuous step and we welcome them into party fold and hopefully their inclusion strengthens the part so that were able to take the people of the state out o the difficult situation.
“Recently you saw Pulwama incident. Innocents were killed while army should have used water cannons or teargas. Don’t open fire and when somebody gets killed, we cannot bring him back. Due to killings, passion for Azadi (freedom) increases. Army and police should not repeat such incidents and hopefully centre and governor shall ensure such incidents are not repeated.”
Asked whether National Conference has learnt from mistakes of past: “we are humans and humans do err but humans learn also. We hope that there is a government in centre also that cares for humanity.”
Asked by president’s rule, Farooq said: “President’s rule is there and we hope it ends with popular government. We want elections. Let people decide.”
Asked that 60 bills were passed during the governor’s rule, Farooq said: “This is autocratic rule. Governor rule is not peoples rule. It’s doctorial rule and we hope he does not take any step that pushes back democratic processes.”
