Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana on Monday reiterated his party’s commitment towards building a harmonious society based on equality, social justice and mutual trust.Addressing a large gathering of delegates belonging to Other Backward Class (OBC) of the Jammu province at Sher-i-Kashmir Bhawan this evening, Rana said the foundations of National Conference stand on the pluralistic ethos of the state, which has been nurtured by its towering leaders by weathering all odds.
While saying National Conference did not believe in pisive politics, Rana referred to the initiatives taken by the party in ameliorating the lot of weaker sections of society and assured that it will continue to work for their emancipation and upliftment. He referred to the measures taken by the coalition government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and said what has been achieved in the past four years, has not even been thought over during the past many years.
The Provincial President exhorted the OBC leaders to unite by rising above party politics and work with a sense of dedication for freeing the community from the shackles of ignorance. He laid stress on improving the literacy rate among boys and girls belonging to the community, saying education holds key to their empowerment.
“Instead of fanning out in different directions, sit together and have introspection to find out the areas which require immediate attention”, he asked the leaders and said National Conference will provide them a strong forum for agitating their problems. He said much has been done for their welfare but still much more requires to be done.The Provincial President indicated setting up of an OBC Cell in National Conference to deliberate over the problems confronted by the community and find out ways and means in redressing these.
Referring to the great role of National Conference in bringing about socio-economic transformation in Jammu and Kashmir, Rana said history is replete of sacrifices made by the party in bestowing honour and dignity to the people. He said the state is passing through a difficult phase and referred to the keenness of Omar Abdullah to steer it to peace, progress and development.“In this effort, support and cooperation of all segments of the society is required”, he said.
The Provincial President urged the youth to come forward and play their role in the betterment of the community and overall development of the state. He cautioned them against the machinations of vested interests, who are hell bent on piding the people for furthering their political agenda.
Among others who were present included Thakur Kashmira Singh, Abdul Gani Teli, Sain Dass, Bua Ditta, Haji Mohammad Shafi, Kartar Chand, Mohammad Din, Mushtaq Ahmad, Dr. Yousuf, Mohammad Sadiq, Rakesh, Allah Rakha and others.Earlier the OBC leaders listed their demands which included seven percent exclusive reservation for them and streamlining of roaster points in promotions. They hailed the initiatives of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in mitigating their various problems during the past four years.