National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah has once again called for the immediate restoration of full-fledged statehood to Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, expressing deep concern over the exploitation of local resources and job opportunities by outsiders.

According to a Kashmir Media Service report on Saturday, speaking at a Sikh gathering in Jammu on the occasion of Guru Nanak’s birthday, Farooq Abdullah highlighted the adverse effects of the influx of non-locals, saying they are taking away jobs, land and other vital resources that should rightfully belong to the local population.

‘The outsiders are taking away our lands, the jobs of our youth in factories, and exploiting local resources like sand and stones. Even contracts meant for the local people are being awarded to outsiders, leaving the locals to suffer,’ Farooq Abdullah said. He urged the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir to stand up and wage a struggle for their rights.

He argued that the return of full statehood would alleviate many of IIOJK’s challenges, reduce the hardships faced by the people and bring an end to ‘Afsar Shahi’ – a system where bureaucrats wield disproportionate power, often at the expense of the common people. ‘The BJP-led Indian government must honor its promise to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir without any further delay,’ he said, adding that only with statehood would the people of the territory be able to reclaim their rights and resources.

Farooq Abdullah also praised the Sikh community for their role in promoting communal harmony and upholding the values of humanity, stressing the importance of following Guru Nanak’s principles of selfless service, unity, and compassion to create a more equitable and harmonious society.