By Aziz A. Mubaraki,
I have this strong feeling that whatever has happened to Kashmir in last two decades or so has lot to do with the father-son duo- Farooq and Omar Abdullah. In some way or the other they are responsible for most crises in the state, as their family members have been at the helm of affairs in the state since its inclusion to India. And to keep their enthrallment for power afloat, they always sided with the ruling alliances in Delhi irrespective of the feelings of their electorates back home.
The insurgency started and flourished with them at the office. When Kashmir burnt, Abdullahs were holidaying in UK, caring least about the people they call theirs. Yet when things seemed mature for elections they returned to Kashmir feigning love for their land and the people.
The father-son duo never had a clean image. Dr. Abdullah had always in the eye of the storm either for his ostentatious life style or the sandalwood controversy or his despotic rule. He was many times caught on the wrong foot. But this time the charges leveled against the duo are more serious (Syed Mohammed Yusuf, a National Conference (NC) worker died while in police custody, his family has moved court against Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his father — Union Minister Farooq Abdullah) and they should be investigated.
Therefore, I believe it would be fair if the father-son duo step down from their respective public positions and facilitate the process of investigation
(The writer is Member, Advisory Committee, Airport Authority of India(NSC), Ministry of Civil Aviations, Government of India)