Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday urged people to bring a change with the power of vote in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I urge the people to bring change as a new era has arrived in the entire nation”, Azad told media persons in Srinagar on Thursday.
“Maybe the change will come again in India so the change should come in Jammu and Kashmir as well”, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said.
Replying to a question Azad said that “Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) must go and should be removed”.
Asked that National Conference President Farooq Abdullah pitching for Indo-Pak dialogue, Azad said “It is Farooq sahib’s choice and he is a respectable leader. I am not going to speak anything against him”.
Earlier, addressing a public meeting & road show in Mujgund, Shalteng, and Eid gah in Srinagar, lambasted Kashmir based parties for deceiving the public regarding Article 370.
He said that he was the sole voice advocating for its( Article 370) preservation and protest by sitting on the parliament floor, leading to the government’s concession to restore statehood.
However, he stressed that the fight is far from over, citing the need to reclaim land and job rights.
Azad underscored that the upcoming election is not solely about reinstating rights, but also about addressing pressing public concerns such as escalating electricity tariffs, unemployment, and various other issues affecting the people.
Meanwhile, Azad expressed disappointment over the long-standing exploitation of the people under the guise of autonomy and self-rule by parties.
Despite their previous fervor for these ideals, they now remain conspicuously silent on the matter, instead diverting attention with alternative slogans in an attempt to deceive the populace.
He said, native laborers and contractors find themselves sidelined as lucrative contracts are handed over to outsiders, exacerbating the economic woes of the local workforce. The exorbitant electricity fees further compound the burdens of the common folk, rendering basic amenities unaffordable.
The absence of accountability only amplifies the frustrations of the people, who increasingly clamor for transparent governance and the restoration of democratic processes through government and assembly elections.
He further said, “If these regional parties were genuinely concerned about public issues, they would have joined us in protesting against the land eviction order, which saved the livelihoods of thousands dependent on state land.
