National Conference on Wednesday censured the administration on changing the names of prominent landmarks in valley, saying the measure belies GOI’s theatrics and clamor on development in J&K.
Referring to the name changing spree of important land marks in Kashmir, Party asserted that at a time when the people of state are struggling for their pride and democratic rights the GOI is raring to go for changing the names of important landmarks like stadiums. “The news has it that the name of sheer e Kashmir stadium is being changed to Sardar Valabbhai stadium. The measure validates the genuine worries of people following abrogation of articles370, 35-A. the present ruling dispensation is known for its disdain for the secular visage of the country. The name change of the Sheer e Kashmir stadium has been done in the same vein as was done in other cases across the country. Rechristening the names of places won’t help improve the situation. The situation can only be restored only if people’s pride is restored. Such despicable measures cannot belittle the enormous contribution of Sheer e Kashmir to Kashmir,” party said.
“The incumbent dispensation at the helm of affairs in center has failed to catch the imagination of the countrymen, who have now refused to let them get swayed by the hollow slogans of the incumbent BJP led central government. The move is yet another attempt aimed to hoodwink the people. In spite of all gimmickry and fanfare, the BJP has miserably failed to gain dividends of the unilateral step it took on 5th of august. The recently concluded BDC poll results in Jammu also reveal that the measure of abrogating state’s special status, through what many referred to as day time robbery of JK’s pride, has not fared well in any region of Jammu and Kashmir,” party said in a statement.
Party said the present ruling dispensation has come out in its true colors. “With the legitimate elected political activists, civil society leader, socio-religious personalities and civil society leaders under confinement, the verdant socio-political landscape of kashmir has turned barren. The unprecedented gags on internet have piled up the miseries of people. A government which could unilateral backtracks on the constitutional assurances won’t hesitate from other reckless steps. The measure of changing the name of Sheer e Kashmir stadium has attested to people’s worries on the protection of their socio-religious complexes. We condemn the move in unequivocal terms; such steps reveal the height of contempt, present ruling dispensation nurtures for historical individuality of J&K,” party said in a statement.
Party said sheer e Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was against all those philosophies that preached passivity, and indifference to the living conditions that surround man. “He never for a moment let himself and his people, whom he strived for unto his death, get swayed by communal and regional prejudices. The star ingredient of his message revolved around unity, brotherhood. He considered it of paramount value to elevate the living standards of people without nurturing prejudices even for his arch rivals. His restless spirit was powered by faith that the people reposed in him. Such measures as removing his name from the important land marks of the state will not yield desired results of those who are inimical towards Kashmir’s historical individuality. It will conversely reaffirm the fact that Kashmiri individuality and pride are synonymous with the name of Sheikh Sahib. ”
Party said the name of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah is inscribed on the hearts of people, who saw a savior in him. “He struggled to change the character of his people, the fact that no one can deny. Throughout his life he struggled to bring about socio-political development and reforms. He redeemed highly stung Kashmiri, people who were starved and beaten by a vestige of authority. People saw in him a man of nerve, and enlightenment, standing for principles good in their way; a victim, like so many of them, of despotic autocratic rule. A patriot, vigorous man he was; full of zeal to improve his countrymen’s plight.”