Farooq Abdullah, veteran leader of the National Conference (NC) and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, indirectly criticised the current administration for the reported dismal conditions in hospitals and concerns regarding water and electricity supply in the Union Territory. Pics/Agencies
Updated On: 2023-11-03 09:54 PM IST
Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande
Abdullah made these remarks during a press conference following a meeting of the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, which took place at his Srinagar residence.
Farooq Abdullah expressed his dismay over the state of hospitals, highlighting the lack of essential medicines, electricity, and water. He called for people across the country to raise their voices against these issues.
The meeting included prominent figures like NC Lok Sabha MP Hasnain Masoodi, former chief minister and People's Democratic president Mehboob Mufti, and CPI(M) leader Yousuf Tarigami.
The People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, also known as the Gupkar alliance, was formed by mainstream Opposition parties in the Valley, including the National Conference, PDP, Peoples Conference, and the CPI(M), following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
The alliance's primary demand is the restoration of Article 370 and statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.
The Centre has defended its decision to revoke Article 370, highlighting the reduction in street violence incited by terrorists and separatist elements. It claims that the region has experienced a period of peace, progress, and prosperity since the move.
Several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which resulted in the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.