Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) President, Farooq Abdullah, on Saturday described those who died in action with the government forces as martyrs and sought the imposition of Governor’s rule in the state.

Abdullah, who won the Srinagar parliamentary seat, said that he has never been witness to the incidents that emerged in the run up to the polls.

While talking to reporters at the party office at Nawai Subah complex, Abdullah, described those who died in the run up to the polls as martyrs.

“I am thankful to Allah. I thank people who supported us. This was the bloodiest election I have witnessed ever. Results show that people were in favour of NC,” he said. “Those who were killed died as martyrs. There are many youth who are in hospital and in jails. But government is doing nothing,” he said.

 Former CM said that the Government of India and President should dismiss the PDP-BJP government and elections on Anantang parliamentary seat should be held under Governor’s rule.  “Governor’s rule must be imposed and elections in Anantnag held under governor’s rule.’’

The senior Abdullah described the vote as the “rejection of the People’s Democratic Party.” “People have taught PDP a lesson which is hand in glove with RSS and BJP. There is no justification for Mehbooba Mufti to cling to the power now. People have given answer to her and she should immediately step down,” Abdullah said.

 Former CM also emphasised on the need for holding a dialogue on Kashmir. “It is right time to engage with all the stakeholders and hold dialogue with them. Kashmir is an issue that needs to be resolved.

Government of India should talk to all the stake-holders to find solution to this problem,” he said. In response to a question about reports that he would resign, he said that the decision on this can be taken by the party. “All the decisions are taken in the Working Committee. Future strategy will be chalked in the Working Committee meeting that will be held soon,” he said.

 Abdullah while asking President Pranab Mukherjee to impose Governor’s rule also vowed to protect special status of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the state government has failed to deliver, while noting that “I will secure the Article 370 and my win is dedicated to people of Kashmir. I will also talk to all stakeholders to find a solution for the Kashmir issue.”

Abdullah said that he will push to initiate dialogue with all stake holders including Hurriyat and Pakistan for restoration of peace in Kashmir, while describing Hurriyat as a key stake holder.

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