Ghulam Nabi Azad Calls for Immediate Elections in Jammu and Kashmir

24-07-2023 : Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), Ghulam Nabi Azad, expressed the urgent need for announcing elections in Jammu and Kashmir to address the grievances of the people who have been suffering without elected representatives in their respective areas. Speaking at a large gathering in the border tehsil during the first day of his three-day tour, Azad emphasized that elections are the key to resolving all issues in the region. He stated that elected representatives, who are well acquainted with the local aspirations at the village or mohalla level, can play a crucial role in bringing development to the remote border areas where administrative reach has been limited over the years.

Commending the people of Gurez for their role in maintaining peace and tranquility during the peak militancy period, Azad highlighted the collaborative efforts between the locals and security forces. He recalled his tenure as the chief minister, during which he focused solely on impartial development and shunned biased politics or policies based on religious, caste, or regional considerations. Azad promised that if elected, DPAP would usher in a new era of comprehensive development, focusing on employment, infrastructure, education, and healthcare improvement throughout Jammu and Kashmir.

Assuring full rights over land, jobs, and resources to the people, Azad emphasized the party’s agenda of equitable development across the region. He credited DPAP’s recent protests, which successfully led to the restoration of curtailed ration quotas and halted forced land evictions by the administration. Stressing the importance of unity among all in J&K, Azad called for electing representatives with a clean image and a track record of integrity. He asserted that the region needs unbiased and dedicated leaders to overcome the challenges posed by decades of militancy and misgovernance.

During his visit to Gurez, Azad was warmly received by supporters from all walks of life, and the DPAP leadership addressed the massive gathering, affirming their commitment to inclusive and transformative development in the region. Among those who spoke at the event were Mohd Amin Bhatt, Provincial President of DPAP, Shafiq Shabnam, Provincial General Secretary, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Sonawari in-charge, Nisar Ahmed Lone, and other senior party leaders.