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Farooq ties to sell new budget

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

As the tension between the traders and the Jammu and Kashmir government over the proposed taxes mounted, Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah exhorted the citizens to bear with the new budget.

"The mopping up of additional resources is important for self reliance and a sound financial base," he said in Jammu. "The Centre has its own difficulties. It has no treasure where from it can draw whenever one wishes."

Dr Abdullah urged the people to contribute to the progress of the state and the country: "We have to stand on our own legs and contribute towards national construction."

The Kashmir traders had asked the people not to pay taxes.

Regretting the bandh against the budget, the chief minister said, "(The people) should appreciate the financial position of the state".

The public sector undertakings in the state were all running at loss, the chief minister said, and the united effort by all sections of society was needed to make India a great country.

Speaking about 'conspiracies' being hatched in foreign countries to divide Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Abdullah said: "If such machinations are allowed to succeed, how can India remain united? Even if the enemy takes the life of Farooq Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir will continue to be part of India."

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