Ex-DIG, noted artist join National Conference

A former senior police official and a noted artist joined National Conference here in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

"Ex- deputy inspector general of police Mushtaq Sadiq and noted artist and cultural activist Waheed Jeelani today joined the NC and were welcomed into the party fold by NC president Farooq Abdullah. The new entrants vowed to make party stronger at grassroots," an NC spokesman said.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah said there is no higher calling than serving people and that the party with active participation of people would ensure speedy development of the state.

He said without peace, all other dreams vanish and are reduced to ashes.

"Our prime motto is to embalm the bruised people of ours. The road ahead of us is not trouble-free, however with sincerity of heart and commitment towards people, we can make a difference," he said.

The NC president said there is no substitute to democracy and that in a democracy each life matters.

"People are ...