Srinagar, Sept 13: Ghulam Nabi Azad, former chief minister and Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), on Friday reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the rights of Jammu & Kashmir’s residents and announced his intention to introduce legislation in the assembly to protect local jobs and land.
Addressing public gatherings in Dooru, Qazigund and Devsar in south Kashmir, Azad pledged that if elected, his party would enact a law preventing outsiders from purchasing land or securing jobs in Jammu & Kashmir, thereby preserving opportunities for local residents.
He promised to provide free electricity to the poor and waive electricity bills for those unable to pay. There is an urgent need for job creation to address the rising unemployment crisis, he said.
“My aim is to uplift the weaker sections,” the DPAP chief said, lamenting the inadequate infrastructure in rural areas. Recalling his previous tenure as chief minister, Azad said he aimed to revolutionise development but was unable to complete all projects due to a short tenure. I will fulfill these projects and improve conditions, including building roads in every village,” he said.
He expressed concern over the loss of young lives due to ongoing conflict and the increase in drug abuse, saying these issues are due to the lack of employment opportunities. He called for a focus on genuine development rather than being swayed by misleading promises. “We need to prioritize real development and work towards the betterment of our state,” he urged.
Azad cautioned the public against parties making false promises and focusing on power rather than the welfare of the poor. He recalled his party’s efforts to challenge land eviction orders, stating, “We stopped the bulldozers and committed to reinstating the Roshni Scheme to help the poor access land.”
The former CM reiterated his focus on tangible development, including the expansion of districts, tehsils, hospitals, roads and schools. “That is our only priority,” he said.
