Azad hits out at NC, PDP

Srinagar, May 23: Chairman DPAP, Ghulam Nabi Azad, hit out at National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party accusing their MPs of maintaining silence on critical issues including Article 370 in Parliament.

Azad was addressing a public rally on the concluding day of the campaign in Dooru, Anantnag in south Kashmir.

Azad criticised the NC and PDP for their silence on critical issues such as Article 370 during parliamentary sessions. He said that the three MPs from these parties failed to speak up when he protested in parliament, showcasing a troubling pattern of inaction.

"They are deceiving the people," Azad declared. "They remained silent even on the land eviction order when the government attempted to bulldoze houses and seize land. It was our intervention that halted the government's actions." Azad also accused NC leaders of using religion and caste to divide the population. "At the national level, a party tried to split Hindus and Muslims. Now, these parties are attempting to divide Pahari, Kashmiri, and Gujjars. How can an MP do justice to other communities when they campaign and speak against each other?" he said.

He asserted that during his tenure as CM, there were almost no fake encounters. He recounted an incident where a deputation claimed that individuals presented as militants were actually innocent labourers. Azad said he immediately ordered an inquiry, confirmed their innocence, and had the responsible officers jailed.

He criticised the current trend of youth being "unjustly detained", vowing that under his leadership, no civilian will face false allegations or charges. “I promise to protect daughters, sisters, and young boys from harassment,” he said. He stated, “In my government, I ensured justice to people, irrespective of caste or religion. Our youth, especially girls, should be able to move freely. Today I received many complaints that police are picking up innocent civilians; this must stop. You are further alienating them. In my government, youth will be given the full freedom to live their lives. This drug menace has harmed our society, and we will ensure better education and jobs.”

He warned of the dangers of such divisive politics, stressing the importance of unity in Jammu and Kashmir. "This style of politics is harmful and damaging for the people of J&K. We must unite and work for everyone. Our focus should be on bringing people together, not creating divisions." Azad pointed out the lack of development during the periods when the government was primarily run by NC and other parties. He emphasised that he had only two and a half years in power, during which he initiated significant projects and reforms. "They did no development, but only exploited people with slogans of self-rule and autonomy, which they eventually forgot. They did no justice to the poor. Where are the jobs? Where are the schools, colleges, districts, and tehsils? What did they achieve? Nothing," Azad stated emphatically. Azad assured the public that if he returns to power, he will focus on eradicating poverty and unemployment.