Farooq Abdullah chairs NC provincial committee meeting, asks leaders to maintain grassroots contact

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the vice-president of the party, was also present along with cabinet ministers and MLAs. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the issues and challenges faced by the people of both Union Territories, party activities, organisational matters and the future course of action, according to a party spokesperson.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday chaired a meeting of the party's provincial committee, which held detailed discussions on the current political and administrative situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the vice-president of the party, was also present along with cabinet ministers and MLAs. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the issues and challenges faced by the people of both Union Territories, party activities, organisational matters and the future course of action, according to a party spokesperson. The participants highlighted public grievances from their respective areas, including economic distress, unemployment, and issues related to basic amenities. Information about the ongoing party activities in different regions, public outreach programmes, and the difficulties being faced by party workers was also shared, he said. In his address, Farooq Abdullah urged the committee members to maintain strong contact with people at the grassroots and play an active role in further strengthening the party. He said the National Conference had faced numerous challenges in the past and had always emerged successfully due to public support. The party had made financial and personal sacrifices to safeguard the interests of Jammu and Kashmir and would confront present challenges with the same determination, he said. Abdullah said the opposition's misleading statements, false propaganda, and political theatrics could not weaken the National Conference because the party enjoys the unwavering support of the people. The party has always represented the sentiments, aspirations and emotions of the people and would continue to prioritise public interest above all else, he said. The National Conference chief directed the party MLAs to rise above personal interests and make public service their top priority under all circumstances. He also instructed that the party's membership drive be launched immediately and preparations for organisational elections be completed, emphasising that active and genuine grassroots representatives should be brought forward. Abdullah stressed the need to organise party conventions in every district, understand public grievances and demands, and take effective measures for their resolution. He said that in constituencies where the National Conference does not have MLAs, Members of Parliament and in-charges concerned should actively work for resolving public issues and ensure fair allocation of development funds. He emphasised the need to effectively highlight the government's performance and public welfare initiatives, stating that despite serious challenges, the chief minister, ministers, and party representatives were continuously working for development and public welfare, but communicating these efforts to the people has become the need of the hour. ''Attempts were being made to create obstacles in the path of Jammu and Kashmir's development and public welfare projects, but the National Conference would confront these challenges steadfastly as it had done in the past,'' he added. Abdullah also directed party leaders, office-bearers and workers to create awareness among the public regarding Census 2027 alongside the membership campaign and educate people about its importance and usefulness.