||Black and White Digital News ||

||September 21,2024 ||

KASHMIR : The Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), Omar Abdullah, has raised concerns over the preferential treatment being afforded to Engineer Rashid, questioning the motives behind his release on bail while other jailed individuals remain incarcerated under similar charges. Speaking during a series of public meetings across Budgam, Abdullah expressed deep concern over what he views as a deliberate attempt to manipulate the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

Accompanied by MP Central Kashmir Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi ,Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, Zamir Abdullah and Zahir Abdullah. Omar Abdullah voiced apprehension over the selective justice being meted out, highlighting the contrast between Rashid’s release and the continued imprisonment of other political figures such as Yasin Malik and Shabir Shah, who are also detained under similar legal provisions.

“Why only Engineer Rashid? Why is he receiving special treatment? What about Yasin Malik ,Shabir Shah , Masrat Alam and Asiya Andrabi who are imprisoned under the same law? Why are their fates left hanging in the balance while Rashid is set free?” Abdullah asked pointedly, questioning the fairness of the legal processes at play.

Allegations of Political Manipulation:

Abdullah went further to allege that Rashid’s release is not just a legal anomaly but a calculated political maneuver aimed at dividing the voices of Kashmiris. According to Abdullah, the move is intended to sway votes and facilitate the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in consolidating its grip over the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, a tactic aimed at reinforcing the decisions taken on August 5, 2019, when the region’s special status under Article 370 was revoked.

“Rashid’s release is not an isolated event,” Abdullah asserted. “It’s part of a broader strategy to manipulate the political dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that the BJP strengthens its control over the assembly and further legitimizes the undemocratic decisions of August 5, 2019.”

Concerns Over Governance and Accountability:

Abdullah also took the opportunity to highlight the myriad challenges facing the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the region continues to suffer from underdevelopment, lack of accountability, and the absence of a democratically elected government. These issues, he noted, are exacerbating the marginalization of the people and leaving them increasingly vulnerable.

“Our people are grappling with a host of issues, from inadequate development to a lack of accountability. The absence of an elected government has only worsened the situation, leaving our people disenfranchised and without a voice,” Abdullah said.

Commitment to Supporting the People:

Reiterating the National Conference’s commitment to the welfare of the people, Abdullah vowed to provide much-needed support to those adversely affected by the prevailing political and social conditions. He assured that the NC would continue working to ensure the delivery of essential resources and services to the people, aimed at improving their quality of life and addressing the growing concerns over governance.

“We, in the National Conference, remain committed to supporting our people in these trying times. We will work tirelessly to ensure that their needs are met, that they receive the services and resources they require, and that their voices are not silenced by undemocratic policies,” Abdullah concluded.

Omar Abdullah’s statements come at a time of heightened political tension in Jammu and Kashmir, as the region continues to navigate the complex aftermath of its changed constitutional status and the ongoing struggle for political and social stability. His remarks underscore the deep-rooted concerns over selective justice and the potential for political manipulation, issues that remain central to the discourse in the region.