Srinagar, Nov 06 (HS): National Conference (NC) president and former chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday offered Friday prayers at the Asar-e-Sharif shrine in Hazratbal, where he prayed for lasting peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir along with thousands of devotees.

Speaking to people after the prayers, Farooq stressed the need for unity, harmony and compassion to deal with the challenges facing the people.

According to a NC spokesperson, he prayed for the progress, development and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and for peace, security and prosperity in the region.

Earlier in the day, Farooq held a meeting with disgruntled party MLAs at his residence in Srinagar’s Gupkar area. About 15 MLAs attended the meeting, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also present.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, in the presence of the MLAs, the NC president dismissed reports that the party had split into factions. He said the NC is united and nobody can break it.

“The baseless reports being spread that the National Conference has splintered into factions are completely wrong,” he said. “This party is united, and those who think they can break it should know that it has never broken, and it never will be.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat