Srinagar, Mar 04: Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday said his “sole aim” is to uplift the poor and ensure peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a public meeting in Aishmuquam, Pahalgam, Azad called for unity among the people of J&K. He invoked the timeless words of poet Allama Iqbal, “tumhari dastan na hogi dastanon mein”, urging people to rise above divisions and work collectively towards a brighter future.
The DPAP chief said some elements are attempting to suppress the people, while others have succumbed to compromise, either in the past or potentially in the future. However, there is an urgent need for unity to thwart these attempts, he said and appealed for collective efforts to combat poverty and accelerate development in the region. He recalled his track record of accomplishments as both Chief Minister and Union Health Minister.
Azad said the DPAP is committed to revitalizing the tourism sector. He lamented the untapped tourism potential in south Kashmir and pledged to address this oversight and harness the region’s abundant opportunities for development.
The former chief minister reiterated his staunch resistance against the revocation of Article 370 in Parliament, along with his vocal opposition to the CAA/NRC and mob lynching. He specifically pointed out the silence of the MPs from the National Conference, expressing concern over their failure to speak up on these significant matters. He urged the people not to fall under the influence of political parties that seek to divide communities based on religion or region.
Azad highlighted the plight of impoverished families who took out bank loans to educate their children, only to find their highly educated youth struggling to find employment. “My government would prioritize job creation and address the issue of un- and underemployment by regularizing casual laborers and adhoc employees,” he said.
He made commitments to initiate thermal power projects and provide free electricity to impoverished households, aiming to alleviate the burden of utility expenses on those in need. Azad also pledged to introduce legislation to protect both land and jobs, ensuring the security of livelihoods for the people, also immediate restoration of statehood.
The former CM vowed to uphold and enhance schemes like the Roshni Scheme, aimed at empowering marginalized communities and providing them with opportunities for growth and development.
