SRINAGAR: The Core Group of J&K National Conference met on Monday under the Chairmanship of Party President Dr Farooq Abdullah. The Core Group took stock of the prevailing situation in the State and recorded its dismay and disappointment towards the way in which the situation in the State is being allowed to worsen.
The absence of any visible governance on the ground coupled with the absence of any political leadership on the part of the current state government is adding to the already worrying situation. The failure of the union government to recognize the problem in Jammu and Kashmir as a political problem is a matter of great concern.
The union government and the state government continue to deal with J&K as a law and order problem instead of a political issue requiring resolution and this fact was also noted by the Core Group. The Core Group of the National Conference reiterated its demand the Central Government that they immediately begin the process of political engagement with the State and its people and engage all sections that are desirous of seeking a peaceful solution to the problem.
Arrests, threats of use of force, unchecked use of pellet guns are all adding to the atmosphere of fear and anger and the Central Government should immediately correct this. As to the speculation regarding participation in the forthcoming elections, it was not the purpose of this meeting. It is for the Government to decide when and in what circumstances to hold the elections. As and when the elections are announced the Core Group will meet again to review the situation.
The meeting was attended by, Omar Abdullah, Working President; Ali Mohammad Sagar, General Secretary; Mohammad Shafi Uri; Abdul Rahim Rather; Ch Mohammad Ramazan; Nasir Aslam Wani; Devender Singh Rana; Mohammad Akbar Lone; Sakina Ittoo; Javed Rana; Sajjad Kitchloo; Aga Syed Ruhullah; Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy and S S Salathia.