Budgam, Dec 29: Maintaining that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were true nationalists by core of the heart like their fellow countrymen and need not a certificate of patriotism from any one, Chairman JK Peoples Democratic Front (JKPDF) Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen and Chairman District Development Council (DDC) Budgam, Nazir Ahmad Khan said that the people of Kashmir should not be seen through the prism of suspicion.
Addressing a day-long party convention of PDF workers and party functionaries at Hardshoorish – Khag in Beerwah constituency of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, Hakeem Yaseen and Nazir Khan urged the Center to own the people of Kashmir with open heart and mind by meeting their genuine socio- political aspirations.
They said people of Kashmir have proved their credentials about secular values and communal harmony at all difficult times , even in 1947 , when the whole sub – continent was burning in the flames of hatred and communal frenzy adding that they do not need any lesson on patriotism by the pseudo- nationalists.
According to the statement issued by the party, the leaders said the people of Kashmir were nationalist and peace loving by conviction and should not be doubted and dubbed as anti-nationals.
The duo underscored the need to address the genuine concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to remove prevailing alienation among them.
While glorifying the spirit of patriotism and nationalism among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the leaders have urged the need to restore the element of trust and faith among them by initiating meaningful confidence building measures.
“The demand for restoration of their constitutional rights should not be construed as an anti national feeling but needs to be redressed in a broader national perspective adopting humanitarian approach and applying a goodwill balm”. They also demanded early Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir to restore democratic and electoral rights of the people.
Meanwhile the leaders also sought development of much needed Tossamaidan, Doodhpathri- Yusmarg Tourist Circuit to exploit vast and varied tourism potential in the area adding that the proposed tourist circuit was imperative for bringing socio- economic prosperity in the area.