Delhi should bring people-friendly laws for J&K: Azad

Srinagar, July 14: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday said that Delhi should bring people-friendly laws for Jammu and Kashmir

Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) he criticised the implementation of harsh laws and called for a more compassionate approach towards the region. Azad said that people of Jammu and Kashmir are already suffering following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. "J&K is not like Pondicherry or Andaman and Nicobar; it has been a historical state,"he said.

He argued that the demotion of Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a Union Territory was an injustice, emphasising the unique historical and cultural significance of the region.

DPAP Chairman expressed his dissatisfaction with the amendments to the J&K Reorganisation Act, which have enhanced the powers of the Lieutenant Governor (LG), pointing out that holding assembly elections under these circumstances would be meaningless, as the state should be granted full powers.

"This state should be given full powers as it is not normal but a historical state," he asserted.Azad urged the central government to change its behavior towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the change is mandatory to minimize the gaps between Delhi and the people of the region.

He said that empowering the local administration and ensuring the enactment of laws that resonate with the needs and aspirations of the people would boost a better relationship between the central government and Jammu and Kashmir.