The Hindu : Cong. to fight for Governor's rule in J&K

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 10, 2002

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Cong. to fight for Governor's rule in J&K

By Shujaat Bukhari

MALANGAM (BANDIPORE) AUG. 9. The Congress today kicked off its election campaign in Jammu and Kashmir by vowing to fight for the imposition of Governor's rule in the State before the Assembly elections.

The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Digvijay Singh, the political secretary to the Congress president, Ambika Soni, and party leader, Ahmed Patel, addressed a rally organised by the Gujjar leader, Zamin Shah, here. The occasion was the culmination of the fortnight-long `Urs' of the Gujjar spiritual leader, Nanga Baaji.

The Congress leaders assailed the Farooq Abdullah Government for its "failure" in coming up to the expectations of the Kashmiris. Ms. Soni alleged that there was an "agreement" between the National Conference and the BJP on "grabbing'' seats in the elections. As along as the NC was in power, free and fair elections were not possible, she added.

There was discrimination in providing security to those intending to participate in the elections, she said, adding that political workers at large were facing threat to their lives.

Mr. Singh, who was addressing a public meeting in the State for the first time, demanded the imposition of Governor's rule. "We will fight till the last moment for this, as it is necessary for holding free and fair elections in the State''.

Mr. Patel castigated the State Government for its "failure" to protect civilian lives and said, "it is not only militant violence here but state-sponsored terrorism as well''.

The party's State unit president, Ghulam Nabi Azad, was not present as he was indisposed, sources said.

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Cong. to fight for Governor's rule in J&K