Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 19: Reflecting the sentiment of the National Conference rank and file of the Jammu Province, District presidents today urged the vice president and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to reconsider his decision not to contest the upcoming assembly elections in the larger interests of the party and the obtaining political scenario across Jammu and Kashmir.
In a joint statement issued today, the District presidents appealed to Omar Abdullah to appreciate the deep yearning of the National Conference cadre and their grave concern over his decision, saying the politically sensitive Jammu and Kashmir will lead to a vacuum at this crucial juncture of its history when the people are grappling with numerous challenges, and more importantly for preserving their unique identity within the domain of India and political rights.
They said the inspiring leadership of Omar Abdullah will infuse a sense of confidence among the grassroots level workers, who see in him a crusader to fight the just cause of Jammu and Kashmir and its people.
The District heads exuded confidence that Omar will take a call on the passionate appeal of the National Conference cadre from every nook and corner of both the regions, especially as the election schedule will be in place in the next two days. It is time that the huge concern of the workers is addressed earnestly so that they plunge in the battle for ballot with renewed vigour and ensure massive victory of the National Conference at the strength of the overwhelming support of the people from both the regions and sub- regions, they added.
“Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah alone can steer Jammu and Kashmir to a new era of peace, tranquility, development and prosperity of the people”, the District presidents said.
The signatories to the joint statement included Chander Mohan Sharma District president Jammu Urban, Raghubir Singh Manhas District president Jammu Rural A, Naresh Bittu District president Jammu Rural B, Saudagar Chand Gupta District president Jammu Rural A, Ajeet Kumar Sharma District president Kathua Urban, Sham Narayan Mehta District president Kathua Rural, Sunil Verma District president Udhampur Urban, Ram Parshotam Sharma District president Udhampur Rural, Jagjeevan Lal District president Reasi, Dr Shamshad Shan District president Gool-Gulabgarh, Zaffarullah Rather District president Doda, Abdul Qayoom Bagwan District president Doda Rural, Tanveer Ahmad Kitchloo District president Kishtwar, Sajjad Shaheen District president Ramban, Ashok Kumar Sharma District president Rajouri Rural, Shafayat Ahmad Khan District President Rajouri Urban, Bagh Hussain Rathore District president Poonch.