Srinagar, Mar 10: Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday slammed the Member Parliaments of Jammu & Kashmir’s political parties for “remaining silent” on the revocation of Article 370 while he “actively” protested in Parliament against the Government of India’s decision in 2019.
“Why do NC (National Conference) and PDP (People’s Democratic Party) no longer raise these slogans? They fooled the people, enjoyed power and caused the deaths of innocent people,” he said while addressing a public meeting in the Kokernag area of south Kashmir.
In his address, he addressed the “exploitation” of Kashmiris by regional parties over the years, particularly by raising slogans advocating autonomy and self-rule.
Azad reiterated his commitment to championing the cause of people and ensuring their voices are heard on the national level. He stressed the need for unity, cautioning that these parties may ally with anyone for power but will not do justice to the people. “They will only use and exploit the voters,” he said.
The former chief minister revealed a personal connection with south Kashmir, saying, ‘My grandfather was originally from Kokernag. We moved to Doda, but there’s a special connection between us. Let us rebuild that relationship. Anantnag has always been in my heart. I have established a medical college, degree college, hospitals and schools here. I want to do even more for this district, especially for Kokernag. Give me a chance to serve.”
Azad highlighted his efforts in granting land rights to the poor through the Roshni scheme. He said that when the government attempted to seize the land, he was the sole voice to speak up, halting the “bulldozers”. He promised to restore the Roshni scheme if elected to power.
The DPAP chief stressed the urgency of tackling unemployment, promising to address the issue once elected to power. He emphasized the importance of providing loans to those who are not highly educated, enabling them to start businesses and earn a livelihood.
G N Azad highlighted the untapped potential of tourism that needs to be boosted, expressing regret over not being able to complete his term as CM. He remarked that if given the chance, he would have sanctioned more tourism projects to harness this potential. He promised to provide free electricity for the poor and pledged to focus on building roads, and hospitals, and furthering development in triple shifts.
The former CM expressed concern over the burden of electricity bills on the people, especially the poor, and appealed to the government to reduce the bills for those in need.
Among others present on the occasion were G M Saroori Vice Chairman, Ch Haroon Khatana Gen Secretary, Salman Nizami Chief Spokesperson, Adv Saleem Parray Official Spokesperson, Zamir Ahmed District President, Shahida Begum DDC and others.
