National Conference President and Member Parliament, Dr. Farooq Abdullah Saturday congratulated J&K administration for allowing Shia mourners to carry out Muharram 8 and 10 processions, and added, "This permission shouldn't be used to weaken the pleas challenging abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A) in the Supreme Court.
"I congratulate for allowing Shia mourners to carry out 8th and 10th processions of Muharram-ul-Haram. During my tenure I was also of the opinion that such processions should happen, but few people among us didn't want such things to happen.
Even I was marching alongwith Zuljanah in past. All sections of society were cooperating Shia brethren in their religious affairs," Dr. Farooq Abdullah as per KNS told reporters during his visit to Botakadal area of Srinagar where large number of Shia mourners had assembled for a procession.
He said though it is a good thing that today Shia brethren were given permission to carry out Muharrm 8th and 10th processions but " This shouldn't be used by the government to weaken our pleas challenging abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A) in the Supreme Court".
To a query, Dr Farooq Abdullah said that today there is a security personal laden with arms at every nook, corner and a millimeter and it should not be portrayed that there is a complete peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
"What Government is trying to show people inside and outside J&K. Today we have security personnel laden with arms in hand at every nook and corner. The present dispensation is at the helm for the last 5 years. Why didn't they allow such processions in last 4 years?
Why they allowed it today? We know Article 370 and 35(A) is going to be heard in the Supreme Court, so the government shouldn't use it as a tactic to weaken our case in the Supreme Court," Dr. Farooq Abdullah said.
Earlier Lieutenant Governor J&K Manoj Sinha reached to Botakadal area of Srinagar along with top officials of police and civil administration where they participated in Muharram 10th procession.
At the occasion the LG Sinha paid rich tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and their comrades on their martyrdom anniversary, besides he prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)