National Conference on Tuesday called upon the political class to rise above the party politics and prioritise amity and communal harmony for the benefit of the Chenab Valley, observing that any attempt of polarization will have serious ramifications for a sensitive state like Jammu and Kashmir.“We must eschew tendencies of getting engaged in activities that are detrimental to the interests of our people”, Provincial President Devender Singh Rana said while addressing National Conference workers at Doda, during second leg of his three day tour of the Chenab Valley.Earlier, Rana and other senior leaders addressed the workers at Batote, Assar and Thathri while similar meetings will be held at Bhaderwah and Kishtwar tomorrow.The Provincial President exhorted leaders of various parties to rise above their political affiliations for the betterment of the lives of the people, who inherit a rich legacy of brotherhood and amity. “This is the spirit that has sustained the inclusiveness of the pluralistic state despite turbulent winds and time stands testimony to the fact how attempts inimical to peace have failed before the strong will of the people”, he said, adding that unity in diversity is actually the idea of Jammu and Kashmir.
Rana said that an onerous responsibility has caste upon the entire political spectrum at this crucial juncture of the history when the state is passing through most difficult times. “Without pinpointing the causes responsible for the present crisis, we must firm up our resolve for maintaining brotherhood”, he said and reminded the party cadre of the great role played by National Conference in cementing relations between various religions and regions. This spirit, he said, is not only to be sustained but bequeathed to the generations for peaceful existence of the state where people can lead a harmonious and dignified life.
Urging the cadre at all the levels to play their defined role in steering out the state from crisis wherein the people are suffering immensely, Mr Rana said that the party workers were epitome of sacrifice who have withstood challenges during most horrendous times and proven their loyalty towards people. “We cannot deviate from the path we have been treading for decades with a sincerity of purpose”, he said, while describing National Conference as a movement rather than just a political party. He said his party has never indulged in falsehood, emotional blackmailing, bias or creating hatred between different regions and segments of society, adding this spirit had to be adhered at all costs.
Addressing the functionaries, District President and former minister, Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy asked the cadre to close their ranks to meet the challenges confronted to the state."A vibrant National Conference is answer to all problems confronted to the state”, he said adding that the cadre is well aware about their responsibilities at this crucial hour.Former minister and MLC Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo called for communal harmony, saying any attempt to divide society in bits and pieces by generating passion on the basis of religion is detrimental for its harmonious growth.Kichloo urged the workers to remind the people of the sincere service NC and its leadership has always rendered to the people, irrespective of caste, creed, color, region or religion.Former MP Sheikh Abdul Rehman emphasized the need for maintaining amity, saying this is pivotal for the harmonious growth of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.District President Ramban Sajjad Shaheen also spoke during the workers meetings and said that National Conference will continue to play its premier role in strengthening the bonds of amity and brotherhood between various segments of society.Former MLA Dr Chaman Lal said youth have to play a crucial role in ensuring harmony in the society by foiling all attempts of dividing the people on communal and regional lines.National Conference State Vice Presidents Rattan Lal Gupta and Th Kashmira Singh also addressed the workers meetings and called for collective approach in steering the state to peace and normalcy.Provincial Vice Presidents Choudhry Hareoon and Anil Dhar besides local level functionaries of National Conference were also present. (KNS)