Asks GoI to honour commitments made to people
Srinagar: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday said the 2018–2024 phase in Jammu and Kashmir proved that bureaucratic administration can never substitute a democratically elected government deeply connected with the aspirations, emotions, and day-to-day concerns of the people, and reiterated the demand for immediate restoration of full statehood.
Addressing a gathering in 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 urged New Delhi to immediately restore full statehood and return complete powers to the elected government so that governance becomes more responsive, accountable, and people-centric.
Dr Farooq said elected representatives are fully aware of geographical realities, local challenges, and developmental needs of their respective areas because they remain in constant touch with 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.
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, adding that NC legislators continue to stay among the people, share their concerns, and actively pursue solutions to their problems.
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 despite repeated assurances given before Parliament and the Supreme Court that statehood would be reinstated soon after the elections. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have waited long enough. The promises made to them must now translate into action,” he said.
On the occasion, representatives of cricket bat manufacturers met Dr Farooq and apprised him of difficulties confronting their industry. He assured them that their genuine concerns would be taken up earnestly and all possible support would be extended to safeguard the interests of those associated with the sector.