Claims of normalcy in Valley ‘contrary’ to ground situation, says Farooq Abdullah

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday alleged that the claims of normalcy in Kashmir made by the central and state governments were “contrary” to the ground situation in the region.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also claimed that there was a “growing sense of alienation” among the people, especially the youth.

“Those claiming things have improved in Kashmir after the mayhem, bloodshed and misery of 2016, are contradicting the ground reality in an effort to escape their own culpability and responsibility.

“The fact remains that our youth today are more isolated and alienated than ever before, and feel hopeless and dismayed,” he said at a public meeting in Khan Sahib assembly constituency’s Hardpanzoo area in Budgam district.

The NC president claimed that the youth were “disillusioned and disenchanted” by the system as several initiatives were left mid-way.

“The lack of political will to engage with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir with a sense of seriousness and honesty has created an enormous trust deficit. This has been further increased by recent betrayals and Uturns,” he said.

The Srinagar MP said that India and Pakistan initiate dialogue on outstanding issues, especially on that of Kashmir, in a sincere effort to usher the sub-continent into a corrective era of stability, mutual cooperation and harmony.