Jammu, Feb 4: National Conference (NC) President and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah Tuesday asserted that statehood to J&K would be restored yet he could not speculate about the timing of its return.
“It will be restored. There can be delay yet God willing, it will definitely return. But I cannot speculate about its timing. Had I been an omniscient like God, I would have predicted it (timing of statehood restoration). But that is not so,” he said.
Farooq also aimed barbs at the central government for its claims of wiping out terrorism in J&K, questioning if that was a fact, why Kulgam like (terror) incidents were happening.
Former Chief Minister cautioned against any Cancer vaccine without rigorous research and undergoing proper trials as, he alleged, “was done in case of COVID 19 vaccine.”
Farooq was responding to media queries on the sidelines of an event “Mission Cancer” organised at the Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu.
“Ask them those who claim that militancy has ended. Has it ended? Then it (Kulgam incident) should not have happened. But (such) incidents are happening. Ask them who are making such claims (about end of militancy) day in and day out, anywhere and everywhere – if that is so, why is it happening?” NC president threw a poser while responding to a question about Kulgam incident, wherein an ex-army soldier was killed and his wife and niece were injured on February 3.
When asked about his comment on the need for a vaccine for Cancer like COVID vaccine, he said, “Regarding COVID vaccine, I need to tell you one thing – it was launched and administered without any trial. Today we are witnessing its repercussions. Many people, including young people, are dying of heart attacks and similar related issues.”
“Many blame COVID vaccine for it. We are not sure if it is responsible or not unless it is proved beyond doubt. None is against developing or launching Cancer vaccine. But it should be done only after thorough research and following proper research protocol. It should not be done in haste as it was done in case of COVID vaccine, which was developed overnight and administered also,” NC president said.
With regard to a question about the implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand and Gujarat likely to follow suit, he said, “What can Farooq Abdullah do about it? Let them do it.”
Countered with a query about AAP supremo Arvind questioning credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Farooq retorted with a counter query to the media.
“You ask questions of your liking only. You dare not question the central government or write against it. If you publish so, you and your newspaper will be ruined and you will land up in jail. So instead of questioning us (opposition), you better focus on keeping them (Centre) in good humour,” he mocked.
In response to questions about Delhi elections, the former Chief Minister asked to wait till February 5 (polling day) yet at the same time took an oblique dig at BJP leadership by drawing parallel with its claims made during J&K assembly elections.
“For God sake, wait till February 5. Here also (in J&K) they had made haughty claims of winning. Did they not claim here to register a win anyhow? What happened to those claims? (J&K) Results shut their mouths. Decisions on this account are taken by people,” he said.
“People of this country or state are masters (of country or state) and not Farooq Abdullah or Sakina Itoo,” Farooq said.
“My God does not reside inside a mosque, temple or Gurudwara; He resides in my heart,” NC president said when asked if he would attend Mahakumbh.
“I would have to become omniscient like God to predict what would happen there (in Delhi). How could I know who would win or lose? I’m a simple person. I could not guess who would seize power here in J&K even,” he said, in response to a question about benefit to BJP in the Delhi election where Congress and AAP were fighting against each other.
He stated that INDIA Bloc was performing well. He ruled out any possibility of his playing any role to keep it united stating that he did not have that capacity.
“We know that united we stand and divided we fall and unity is in the interest of the country and imperative for our mission,” Farooq said.
