Srinagar, Jan 22: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah Wednesday said that the much-anticipated Katra-Sangaldan train service connecting Kashmir to the rest of India is now expected to start in April.
Earlier, slated to begin this month, the service faced setbacks due to incomplete work. “I have heard the train will be delayed by two months. These issues are being resolved, and we’re hopeful it will launch by April,” Abdullah stated, reflecting his anticipation to board the inaugural service.
The delay comes despite the government’s December announcement of completing the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), a decades-long project meant to bridge Kashmir’s isolation. While safety trials and inspections raised expectations of an early rollout, the setback has dampened initial optimism.
Abdullah unleashed a scathing critique of the PDP, accusing them of facilitating the abrogation of Article 370 by forming an alliance with the BJP. “We repeatedly warned Mufti Mohammad Sayeed against partnering with the BJP, but they went ahead despite our appeals. They are the ones responsible for the fallout,” Abdullah charged.
Responding to claims that his party has shifted focus from Article 370 to the restoration of statehood, Abdullah emphasized that the fight for Kashmir’s rights remains central. When asked about a timeline for statehood, he retorted, “It will happen when it is acceptable to the Almighty.”
Farooq Abdullah directed sharp criticism at the BJP over the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, who recently marked 35 years in exile. “The BJP ruled Jammu and Kashmir for a decade. How many families have they rehabilitated during this period? They should answer that question instead of making hollow promises,” he remarked.
On the issue of youth unemployment, he questioned the BJP’s failure to deliver on its pledge of 50,000 jobs, highlighting the irony of being held accountable for unfulfilled promises just three months into his party’s leadership.
Farooq Abdullah didn’t spare the media either, urging them to abandon divisive rhetoric and instead focus on fostering harmony. “Hatred in reporting is tearing this country apart. The media must introspect and work toward spreading love, not division,” he said.
Addressing broader geopolitical issues, Abdullah warned against demonizing entire nations over isolated incidents. Referring to global scenarios, he called for a revival of SAARC, echoing Indira Gandhi’s vision of a united South Asia that collaborates for collective progress. [KNT]
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