Dr Farooq Abdullah Stresses Against Intimidation and Suppression in Democracy

{ "articleTitle": "Dr Farooq Abdullah Condemns Intimidation, Demands Statehood Restoration", "articleDescription": "Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah issued a statement on Oct 17 asserting that democracy allows no place for coercion or suppression of voices. He criticized the central government's handling of J&K and called for the restoration of statehood.", "articleBody": "

Abdullah Issues Statement on Democratic Principles

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Srinagar, Oct 17: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah stated that democracy has no place for intimidation, coercion, harassment, fear, injustice, or the suppression of people's voices. He added that the Constitution of India does not permit such actions.

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According to a party statement issued on Saturday, Abdullah said respecting human rights is a fundamental responsibility of a democratic society. He emphasized that no region or citizen should be subjected to discrimination based on religion or faith.

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Criticism of Central Government Policies

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Abdullah claimed that Jammu and Kashmir has been subjected to \"step-motherly treatment\" by the BJP government. He cited the revocation of special status without seeking public consent as a primary grievance, noting the historic state was demoted into two Union Territories while its statehood remains in \"suspended animation.\"

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He noted that assurances were given in Parliament and before the Supreme Court that statehood would be restored soon after elections. However, he stated that even two years after the elections, no progress has been made in this direction.

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Abdullah asserted that the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir has been denied powers ordinarily available to a Union Territory government. He said the Lieutenant Governor's administration leaves no opportunity to interfere in the functioning of the democratically elected government and create obstacles in its work.

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Concerns Over Communalism and Religious Sites

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Expressing concern over growing communalism, Abdullah said arbitrary decisions disregarding democratic principles and using official authority for political interests undermine social harmony and national unity. He stated that India's secular character and Constitution are sources of national