Srinagar, August 04: National Conference President and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah have invited leadership of many mainstream political parties for a crucial meeting at his residence here on August 5.
According to the two senior leaders who have been invited for the meeting informed KNS that they received invitation from Dr Abdullah for a crucial get together at his residence with an aim to deliberate over the prevailing political mess across J&K since August 5, 2019. They added during the meet the future strategy about how to retrieve special status of J&K is on agenda.
A senior mainstream political leader informed that on August 5, there will be “crucial meeting” at Gupkar, Dr Farooq Abdullah’s residence which will start sharp at 11:00 am. He said many political parties including National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Congress, Awami National Conference (ANC), CPI (M), PDF, Peoples Conference (PC) and J&K Peoples Movement headed by former bureaucrat turned politician Dr Shah Faesal will attend the meet.
“Besides Dr Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, MPs Justice (retd.) Hasnain Masoodi and Mohammad Akbar Lone, Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Muzaffar Shah, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, Sajad Lone and Dr Shah Faesal are likely to attend to meet”, he told KNS.
However authorities have deployed police and other paramilitary forces personnel in strength in and around the residences of political leaders ahead of first anniversary of abrogation of Article 370 & 35(A).
ANC senior vice-president Muzaffar Shah while talking to KNS confirmed the restrictions around his residence. “My gate has been shut by forces and police van has been deputed outside. I have been informed about two-days of house detention by cops”, he said.
When asked how scheduled meeting is possible amid restrictions by authorities he said, “Gupkar Declaration is alive and we will never compromise on it. We will fight democratically against decisions taken on August 5, 2019” Shah said.
As Modi led BJP Government on Wednesday is celebrating the first anniversary of abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A), authorities of J&K have imposed strict curfew across Srinagar district to avert any untoward law and order situation at the occasion.
The order which was issued on August 3 late evening, stated that the said curfew will come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in effect on August 4 and August 5.
“Whereas Senior Superintendent of Police. Srinagar, vide communication No. 68/ I50-20/9389-91 dated 03.08.2020 has reported a series of inputs have been received suggesting that separatist and Pakistan sponsored group are planning to observe 5th August 2020 as Black Day, therein apprehension of violation action or protests are not ruled out. There are specific inputs about violent protests endangering public life and property,” the order read.
Meanwhile from past few weeks, political parties across the divide have upped the ante for restoration of statehood. Few members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday addressed media and said party will protest on August 5 against the unilateral decisions taken last year. (KNS)