Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the life sentence awarded to soldiers accused in the Macchil fake encounter case and claimed credit for the convictions. He said the decision was a vindication of the National Conference’s struggle for justice and the party would continue to ask for re-opening the Pathribal case.
Mr. Abdullah was addressing a gathering at the family bastion, Ganderbal, though he has given up the constituency for the forthcoming elections.
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Relentless demand “We never gave up on our demand for justice in the Macchil case and we never surrendered our protest until a case was registered against the accused troops. We welcome this verdict and assure the people that we will continue to ask for the re-opening of the Pathribal case as well and will always fight for the cause of justice and truth,” Mr. Abdullah said .
The Chief Minister told the people that the constituency, from where he, his father and his grandfather all had won, would always remain close to his heart.
“This is the first time that I am coming to Ganderbal to ask for your precious votes for someone not from my family, and I am touched and overwhelmed by your support and enthusiasm,” he said.