Farooq for autonomy to states

MOGA, Dec 14: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, pleaded for autonomy not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for other states ...

MOGA, Dec 14: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, pleaded for autonomy not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for other states too, including Punjab. Farooq, who was addressing a press conference at Moga said that Jammu and Kashmir was facing a financial crisis, while adding that the Centre’s approval was required for every project. He stressed that unless the states were given more powers, the Centre could not be strengthened.

While replying to a question, Farooq claimed that since he took over as chief minister, law and order situation in the state had improved. He said that the state government with the assistance of the Centre and the security forces was curbing terrorist activities. He was hopeful of normalcy being restored in the state soon as had been the case in Punjab. He said that Kashmiris were fighting militancy as Punjab had fought against it for 10 years.

Farooq said that there was no change in the policy of the Vajpayee government towards Jammu and Kashmir and that the security forces were doing their best to face the challenge from Pakistan. He said that Kashmir was an integral part of India and the decision that was taken by the National Conference in 1947 was final. Regarding rehabilitation and the return of Hindus migrants from Delhi and other parts of the country, Farooq was confident that they would return to the state as soon as normalcy was restored. He denied that there was any Hindu-Muslim problem in the state and said that they were living like brothers.

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As for bilateral talks between India and Pakistan, Farooq said that Pakistan was not interesting in settling issues, and added that he would request the Government of India to settle the issue of Jammu and Kashmir once and for all, with some sort of adjustment of the borders so that people live peacefully on both the sides.

Farooq justified the Vajpayee government’s decision on conducting the nuclear test, while adding that credit for this goes to our scientists.He also sought Punjab’s cooperation in fighting militancy. Farooq said that terrorist activities had been stepped up in adjoining Himachal Pradesh.

Earlier, Farooq inaugurated the 38th fully computerised branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank at Moga. With this, the number of computerised branches of the bank has gone up to 79, and the number of branches in Punjab to 12. The 13th branch of the bank will shortly be opened at Khanna.

Farooq, who also addressed a meeting of customers and citizens on this occasion said that Kashmir was an integral part of the country, while warning Pakistan that there was no power on earth that could take away Jammu and Kashmir from India.

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Farooq said that the state was still facing shortage of drinking water and was not getting adequate financial aid for completing its projects.

Finance Minister of Punjab Captain Kanwaljit Singh, who was the chief guest on the occasion, welcomed the opening of the bank branch in Moga. He also assured Farooq all help in fighting terrorism in the state.

A rousing reception was accorded to Farooq Abdullah at Hotel Kaner this afternoon where several thousand people including traders, industrialists and panchayat members of Moga district were present. The reception was organised by Dr Sharanpreet Singh Gill.

Farooq appreciated the services of Parmjit Singh Gill, Inspector General of Police at Srinagar who hails from Moga, and is fighting terrorism in the state boldly. He also paid tributes to Nachattar Singh Gill who was chairman of Punjab State Subordinate Services Board and was shot dead by a terrorist.