DAP committed to uplift socio-economic condition of weaker sections of society in J&K: Azad

Marh, Oct 17: Chairman DAP and former Chief Minister of J&K GhulamNabi Azad Monday said that it is the duty of the government to uplift weaker sections of the society and framing schemes and providing subsidies for the same is the duty of ruling parties which run the government.
A statement said that Azad was addressing a public gathering at Baru Palace in Marh constituency organized by former MLA and senior DAP leader Thakur Balwan Singh.
Azad said DAP is committed to uplift the socio-economic condition of the weaker sections of the society especially those living in far-off and hilly areas of the State. Our mission is to ensure holistic development of the State on equitable basis, so that people get the requisite and essential amenities without facing any inconvenience.”
He said people living in hilly areas who are living Below Poverty Line (BPL), should get focused attention. The DAP Chairman cautioned workers that there are elements trying to hatch conspiracies and create confusion. “We are on our own and our agenda is clear, straightforward and people- oriented,” he said.
Azad urged the central government that assurances given by Prime Minister NarendraModi and Home Minister Amit Shah to Jammu and Kashmir political leaders in the all-party meeting in Delhi should be implemented in “short-term” as it will benefit the people.
He was referring to the restoration of statehood and holding elections after delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir as assured by the prime minister and the home minister to J&K leaders in the all party meeting.
Batting strongly for holding assembly elections, he said for the past four years, there is “no representative” in J&K, which is the biggest cause of under development in the union territory.
J&K is sensitive border state sharing borders with Pakistan and China,” Azad said adding that every party has the right to take part in elections as part of the democratic process but it should maintain a ‘lakshmanrekha’ and not use “unfair means”.
“It will be our request to the Central government that assurances given by Prime Minister and Home Minister to the all-party meeting should be implemented in short-term rather than long-term, or medium-term, as it will benefit the people,” Azad said.
Former Chief Minister said the Governor’s rule is not enough for ensuring progress in J&K. “Governor’s rule alone is not enough to make progress in Jammu and Kashmir. It is very important to have an assembly too. We have got feedback from the people as well,” he said.
He said people will take part in the polls in a “good number if J-K is given the status of a state first.” Usually, UTs are upgraded to state. But in our case, state was downgraded to UT. It’s like demoting DGP to post of thanedaar, CM to MLA, and chief secretary to Patwari. No wise man can do this,” Azad said. Azad also stressed that there is no fight on statehood in the valley as Hindu brothers in Jammu, Sikhs, Muslims in Kashmir and even Pandits want statehood.” No one should presume that only Kashmiris want the statehood, I have said it continuously and even in the all-party meet that even BJP leaders want statehood, he said.