Says won’t intervene to discuss statehood restoration with HM Shah
Ganderbal: National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that the Waqf Amendment Bill passed in Parliament was “unconstitutional”, and expressed hope that the Supreme Court will deliver justice in this regard. He also said that he will not intervene or hold discussions with Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the restoration of statehood.
Talking to reporters at Yangoora, Ganderbal, Dr Abdullah, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the issue about the Waqf Amendment Bill has been taken to court, and thus the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, denied discussion on the matter.
“As the issue is presently sub judice, we hope that the Supreme Court (SC) will deliver justice in this regard,” he said.
When asked about Amit Shah’s visit to J&K, the NC Chief it is good that the Home Minister has been visiting here to review the security situation along the border and the overall situation in the region. “We hope that J&K’s statehood is also restored,” he added.
Reacting to a query, the former Chief Minister of the erstwhile J&K state said he will not intervene or hold talks with the Home Minister on the restoration of statehood. However, he added that the Chief Minister, whenever appointed, will himself hold discussions with the Home Minister regarding the matter.
Asked whether he expects that statehood will be restored, he replied, “The world stands on hope. It is hope that keeps a human alive. We pray for Almighty to end our problems.”—(KNO)
