RK News Service
Srinagar: May, 15: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Friday urged the Centre to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and return complete administrative powers to the elected government, saying the move was essential for ensuring accountable, responsive and people-oriented governance in the Union Territory.
He made these comments while addressing a gathering at Anantnag. Dr. Farooq said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have decisively expressed their will through the ballot and their democratic mandate must be respected without delay.
He said elected representatives are fully aware of the geographical realities, local challenges and developmental needs of their respective areas because they remain in constant touch with the people at the grassroots level.
“A representative government listens, responds and acts according to the aspirations of the people, whereas bureaucratic systems often remain distant from public sentiment and ground realities,” he said.
Dr. Farooq said despite numerous challenges and constraints, the present National Conference government led by Omar Abdullah has remained steadfast in its commitment towards public welfare and pro-people governance. He said NC legislators continue to stay among the people, share their concerns, listen to their grievances and actively pursue solutions to their problems.
“Our workers and representatives are not disconnected from the masses. They stand with the people in times of difficulty and work tirelessly to ensure that public issues are resolved effectively,” he said.
Reiterating the demand for restoration of statehood, Dr. Farooq urged the Central Government to honour the commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned the continued delay in restoring statehood despite repeated assurances given before Parliament and the Supreme Court that it would be reinstated soon after the elections.