The former chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has said that the recent steps of the Centre have pushed the youth of Kashmir to pick up arms again.
In a statement published by ANI, Omar said, “In 2012, 2013, and 2014, there was barely any youth resorting to arms. The number of men, who joined the militancy over a period of 12-13 years, is now being matched in a matter of months these days.”
The National Conference leader was addressing a public gathering in Jammu.
He said that the number of youth joining militancy in one year earlier is similar to those joining in a month now.
“They said that by removing Articles 370 and 35A, people, who were distraught with the Indian administration, would completely be assimilated into the rest of the country. But I’d like to say with conviction that after this, these people are even more alienated than before,” Omar Abdullah said.
He went on to ask about the visible development of Jammu Kashmir . “Where are development works? One year, three months is long enough to get started on such projects. We’d always say don’t be under a misconception that removing Articles 370 and 35A will solve all problems. It is the biggest misstep for J-K. We’re not safe on our own land,” he added.