SRINAGAR: The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, has said that elections are the only solution to the present turmoil in the State, and people would be soon asked to ‘choose their representatives to the State Assembly. “In an interview with local station ‘of All India Radio, the former Chief Minister lauded the role of the Governor, General (retd) K.V. Krishna Rao for reviving the State administration and curbing terrorism in the State. _ Dr. Farooq who is blamed for the present crisis in the state said that the present crisis was of political as well as economical nature. Elaborating, he said that political crisis in the State was created by Pakistan, who had launched a proxy war in Kashmir. The former Chief Minister said that the situation had undergone a ‘sea change. “It is not what it was in early 1990.’
The situation in 1990 looked unmanageable but it has improved to a considerable extent. The State administration has taken a number of steps in this regard to further lower the fear of gun in the State.
However, he cautioned that Pakistan would make renewed attempts to disturb the peace in the State. Regarding the economic crisis, he said that tourism which was the backbone of Kashmir’s economy has suffered severe blows. “We have to revive it but that could be possible only when there was peace and stability in the State,” he added.
The former Chief Minister asserted that Pakistan would never be allowed to succeed in its ill designs in the State. He said that political parties had to work as a bridge between the government and the people and maintain a close liaison to mitigate the problems of the people. He said that the National Conference is “alive” and warned those. Who say that this party has lost its roots? He said that activist of the party faced tremendous pressures from the militants but still their morale was very high.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 9, 1994
