Absence of democracy hindering progress in J&K: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Aug 1: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that the absence of democracy is hindering the progress and stifling the growth in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that the imposition of direct rule from New Delhi has resulted in a surge of bureaucratic hurdles in the region, particularly affecting remote areas.

According to a press note, Dr Farooq Abdullah was addressing NC delegation from Bhaderwah, headed by In Charge Constituency Bhaderwah, Mehboob Iqbal, here. Party Vice President, Omar Abdullah was also present.

Dr Farooq lamented the devastating effects of direct rule from New Delhi and the absence of a democratically elected government in the region. He expressed concern over the daily struggles faced by the people, with no electricity, no water, crumbling roads, dilapidated hospitals, and a complete lack of accountability.

"The youth, faced with rampant unemployment, have been driven to the brink by the drug menace. Promises made by the government have fallen flat in the face of the multitude of issues plaguing the region. Bhaderwah, a remote area, has borne the brunt of this neglect. Once attended to by dedicated MLAs and MLCs, the region now finds itself at the mercy of bureaucrats who have no connection with the people they are meant to serve. These faceless officials are not held accountable to the public in the way an elected MLA would be. The people of this region are suffering, and their voices are being drowned out by the deafening silence of those in power," he said.

Omar Abdullah directed the party functionaries to take on the burdens of the public, amplifying their voices at every opportunity. He emphasised that the NC cadre must dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the cause, tirelessly advocating for the day-to-day struggles faced by the people.

Omar Abdullah insisted that the doors of the party's local unit functionaries must remain open 24/7, ready to listen and act on the concerns of the public.” The ongoing public contact program must be intensified, leaving no doorstep unvisited. He urged the grassroots level functionaries to knock on every door and explore every corner of the constituency to truly understand the challenges faced by the people,” he said.