Srinagar, 02 Aug: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah Sunday said that the continuation of a dual power structure in J&K, despite the presence of a democratically elected government, is inconsistent with the principles of democracy and federalism and deprives the people of the full mandate they have democratically bestowed.
Dr. Farooq said the so called assurances made by the BJP-led Union Government after the August 5, 2019 decisions remain unfulfilled, while J&K continues to be denied the democratic rights enjoyed by other states of the country.
Questioning the prevailing governance structure, he said, “The people of J&K were promised that the events of August 5, 2019 would place the region on par with the rest of the country. If that is indeed the case, why is a dual power structure still being imposed despite the existence of a duly elected government? Why are the people of Jammu and Kashmir denied the democratic authority that every other elected government in the country exercises?”
Referring to the recent incidents of violence in Bijbehara and Kulgam, Dr. Farooq said the promise that the unilateral constitutional changes would usher in lasting peace has not translated into reality. “The people were assured that peace and normalcy would prevail. However, recent incidents remind us that those promises remain far from fulfilled. The truth is that Jammu and Kashmir continues to be treated as an exception. While citizens across the country enjoy the full benefits of democracy and cooperative federalism, our people continue to face an arrangement that falls short of democratic norms,” he said.
Dr. Farooq said repeated assurances regarding the restoration of democratic rights and statehood have yet to be honoured.
“The Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have repeatedly assured the people about restoring democratic rights and statehood. Those commitments must now be translated into action. Jammu and Kashmir, with its unique social, cultural and geographical diversity, can realise its full potential only under a fully empowered elected government. The National Conference will continue its peaceful, constitutional and democratic struggle until the people’s legitimate rights are fully restored,” he added.
Dr. Farooq made these comments while talking to press after visiting Duratyar, Bijbehara where he offered condolences to the bereaved family of former Block President Muhammad Ismail Wani, who passed away after remaining bedridden for nearly eight years following injuries sustained in a militant attack in 2019.
He was accompanied by Provincial President Showkat Mir, MLA’s Hasnain Masoodi, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Abdul Majeed Bhat Larmi, Adv. Reyaz Khan and Publicity Secretary Mir G.M. Saqi.
Dr. Farooq offered Fatiha for the departed soul, prayed for eternal peace and conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, praying for strength and fortitude for them to bear the irreparable loss.
