Srinagar, Dec 18: Chairman of Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, Hakeem Yaseen has called for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir before the conduct of assembly elections.
Addressing various delegations from Khansahib and Budgam areas on Monday, Hakeem Yaseen reiterated the importance of protecting the rights of the people on land and employment. He underscored the significance of acknowledging the political and social aspirations of the people, emphasizing that these aspirations should be respected under all circumstances.
Expressing concern over the lack of an elected civilian government for the past nine years, Yaseen said there is a “deep disconnect” between the common people and the current government and bureaucracy. The absence of an elected government has led to a breakdown in accountability on the ground, making it difficult for people to address their day-to-day problems, he said.
The PDF chief argued that a bureaucratic government cannot substitute an elected civilian government. Urging the early conduct of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, he stated that it would serve the larger interests of the country and the common people.
Holding early assembly elections and restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would act as significant confidence-building measures (CBMs), fostering mutual trust and confidence between the people and the Centre, he said and reiterating PDF’s commitment to safeguarding the identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
