Gurez developed in my tenure, others exploited people: Azad

Srinagar, Sep 26: Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that Gurez developed during his tenure as Chief Minister and that others exploited the people there.

He challenged other political parties to present their developmental achievements in comparison to his tenure. According to a press release the DPAP Chairman was addressing gatherings in Gurez during his two day visit.

Azad expressed his astonishment at the failure of those who have ruled Gurez and surrounding areas for years to provide essential services. “I am surprised that despite their long tenure, these parties could not deliver anything of substance. The roads, electricity, hospitals, and colleges that exist today were established under my leadership as Chief Minister and Union Health Minister. They have done nothing for the people,” he stated.

The DPAP Chairman stated that now, the other political leaders are attempting to fool the people once again for votes. He further challenged these parties to showcase their developmental work in Gurez and other regions, where people continue to suffer due to a lack of basic facilities. “If they have truly worked for the people, I urge them to come forward and present the progress they claim to have made. The reality is that people are still facing hardships, and it is time to hold these parties accountable for their years of neglect,” he said.

Azad warned the people not to get exploited again by false promises and slogans. “Those who live in palaces and have won elections from here should visit Tulail Gurez and see the condition of these people. They do not have proper drinking water, mobile towers, road connectivity, or electricity. How can they sleep at night,” he questioned. “For more than 70 years, they have raised slogans and fooled the people with emotional appeals while the poor continue to suffer. We must work for them, as they have been fully ignored by the governments,” he said.

Reflecting on his own tenure, Azad noted, “I had only two and a half years in office, yet I was able to deliver many essential services. But now, we will do even more for the people of Gurez.” He also lauded the Indian Army for their unwavering support of the people of Gurez. “At least the Indian Army, which is here to protect the people, must be appreciated for safeguarding our borders and assisting locals by providing them with essential facilities, especially during the harsh winter months,” Azad remarked.

He stated that he will bring back the Roshni scheme, which was designed for the benefit of the poor. He also highlighted his efforts to fight against government land eviction orders and assured the public that he would introduce a law in the future to protect local land and jobs. “No outsider should be able to buy land or take jobs here. This is a conflict state, and priority should be given to locals, as they cannot compete with outsiders,” he added.