Srinagar, Aug 13: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Wednesday criticised the nomination of five MLAs to the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, terming it “an insult to democracy” and “a violation of democratic precedence and norms”.In a statement issued here, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, said, “The decision to bypass the people’s mandate through nominations is nothing but a blatant subversion of democratic principles. If the government believes in such a practice, then it must explain why there is no nomination of Muslims in entire state assemblies across the country or in Parliament.”He accused traditional parties like the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of hypocrisy. “For the past six years, even while forming the Gupkar Alliance, these parties remained silent on this matter. Their sudden outrage now is selective and politically motivated,” Inam said.On the government’s claim that the move is meant to represent Kashmiri Pandits, the AIP leader said, “If the government is genuinely concerned about Kashmiri Pandits, it should first ensure their safe and honourable return and rehabilitation. The real issues of the community cannot be solved through token nominations that help a few individuals while leaving the majority in the same situation.”He added that Kashmiri Pandits have “bigger and more pressing concerns” which the government should immediately address, rather than engaging in “optics for political convenience”.
