National Conference president and former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Saturday reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir would regain statehood and emphasised that the government of India must restore it, as it promised in Parliament.
On August 5 2019, centre scrapped J&K’s special status and downgraded and bifurcated erstwhile J&K state into two Union Territories.
“Statehood will happen. The government of India will have to fulfil its commitment. It is bound by the promise it made in Parliament when I was a member,” Abdullah told reporters.
Speaking at a function on International Women’s Day, the NC president urged women to fight for their rights and play a proactive role in society.
Calling for greater women’s participation in governance, he said, “Men should respect women. We passed a bill in Parliament to empower women but who knows when it will be implemented.”
Abdullah also urged women to take charge in the upcoming local body and municipal elections.
“If women do not fight their own battles, they will not get their rights. Bring educated women to the forefront, those who can fight for you,” he said.
“In five years of governance, we (National Conference government) will ensure the best possible growth for women in all sectors,” he said.
The NC chief also recalled his own upbringing as he called for greater respect for women.
Emphasising a mother’s role, he said, “When the Prophet (SAW) was asked who was greater, the mother or the father, he answered thrice — the mother. That is the status of a mother.”