Ghulam Nabi Azad Vows to Safeguard Jammu and Kashmir’s Interests, Promises Restoration of Roshni Scheme and Youth Employment
08-08-2023 : In a resolute proclamation, Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), affirmed his commitment to safeguard the rights of local residents and prevent the exploitation of regional resources by external forces. He emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are the principal stakeholders in the region and vowed to steadfastly protect their interests.
Speaking at a sizable public gathering in Bhagwa, located in the Dessa area of Doda, Azad directed strong criticism towards the current administration. He pointed out that the administration’s mismanagement and lack of transparency have severely marginalized the residents of the Union Territory (UT). He urged the government of India to hold Assembly elections promptly, asserting that the prolonged denial of the populace’s democratic right to elect their representatives is unconstitutional.
Azad argued that administrative governance cannot be a substitute for the democratic participation of the people. He stated that Jammu and Kashmir, which has a rich historical legacy, requires development, effective governance, and active citizen engagement to nurture a thriving democracy.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister, Azad lamented that the achievements he had orchestrated are now being eroded by the current regime. He cited the Roshni Scheme, along with other socio-economic initiatives, as examples of the government’s systematic disempowerment of the population. The Roshni Scheme, he noted, had empowered individuals to secure their livelihoods and facilitated the construction of hospitals, roads, and other essential infrastructure. However, these projects have been compromised, leading to reduced land rights, a shortage of medical staff in hospitals, neglected roads, and a weakened local economy.
Azad made a solemn promise to his supporters that, if elected to power, he will reinstate the Roshni Scheme and generate ample job opportunities for local youth and laborers. He emphasized the need to curb the forced migration of laborers to other states for livelihoods.
Taking a stance on Article 370, Azad criticized those opposing it and expressed hope in the ongoing legal proceedings in the Supreme Court, where petitions related to the article’s abrogation are being heard. He clarified that Article 370 was introduced to benefit the entire Union Territory, rather than any specific community, religion, or region. Azad believed that the Supreme Court would eventually recognize the illegality of the abrogation and work towards restoring it.
Prominent figures attending the meeting included GM Saroori, Vice Chairman of DPAP; Abdul Majeed Wani, General Secretary; PR Manhas, Zonal President; Ramesh Parihar, Senior DPAP Leader; and Asif Gattu, District President of DPAP. Azad’s strong declarations and rallying cry resonated with the assembled crowd, emphasizing the need for regional empowerment and the preservation of democratic rights in Jammu and Kashmir.
