Farooq Abdullah now regrets boycotting panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir, dated 31st August 2021, Tuesday

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference Party Chairman Farooq Abdullah is regretting not contesting the 2018 panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Conference boycotted these elections as well as the local elections to be held in 2019.

Admitting that he regretted not contesting the panchayat elections, Abdullah expressed hope during a public function that a government would be formed in Jammu and Kashmir soon and that officials would respond to the people. Vice Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha was also present during the event.

"Terrorists are targeting leaders who support the country and it is the country's duty to protect them," Abdullah said. State officials do not pick up the phone. My appeal is for the governor to order them to take phone calls from the people.

"I regret not contesting the panchayat elections in 2018 but hopefully soon there will be a government in the state that works for the people," he said.

Earlier, in another program, he had expressed hope that terrorism would end soon.