NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES US ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Placing their hands on their hearts, chanting what is being called the 'Kashmir song', delegates of the National Conference (NC) may not have been able to come up with a more dramatic way to draw attention to the party's Kashmiri roots.
Nearly eight thousand delegates, who came from all over the state dressed in traditional garb, senior ministers, top state civil and police officers were present at the special session of the party in Srinagar where Omar Abdullah took over as party president.
Keeping the forthcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls in mind, the party leadership plans to base its poll campaign around the autonomy issue.
The singing of the song immediately after the ruling party's flag was hoisted by Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah was intended to convey a strong message to New Delhi that the ruling party had not given up on its demand for restoration of autonomy to the state.
Wearing a black achkan and a white turban, Omar was then sworn as the new president of the National Conference by party general secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmad.
Outgoing party chief Dr Farooq Abdullah prayed and hugged his son repeatedly and then placed his black karakul cap on Omar's head. He kissed his son and then invited his daughter-in-law Payal to join them on stage.
Later while addressing the gathering, he hinted at handing over power to his son.
With tears running down his cheeks, Dr Abdullah bade farewell to the delegates before the new party chief was invited to address the gathering.
More reports on Jammu and Kashmir
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
