Nepotism by JKNC, PDP pushed Kashmiris to margins: Sikh body

Srinagar, Sep 16: The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina Monday said that the mainstream political parties in Kashmir have failed the people of the erstwhile state.

Raina, who was addressing a rally in Jammu's Nanak Nagar said, the traditional parties in Kashmir have been unable to even solve the basic problems of people while they only cared about their 'dear ones.'

He said that these parties were well aware of over one-lakh vacancies in different government departments, but no step was taken to fill them.

The mainstream political parties only believe in the rehabilitation of their dear ones; Late Sheikh Abdullah propelled his son Farooq Abdullah to rule over the people of J&K. Later, Farooq passed on the baton to his son Omar and now, the sons of Omar are taking part in election rallies, asserted Raina.

"The stage is set for them, while on the other hand the unemployed youth continue to suffer even as they are unable to feed their families," he said.

The APSCC chairman said that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is no different than the JKNC in practicing nepotism and dynastic politics in the region.

"PDP founder Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed introduced his daughter Mehbooba Mufti so that no outsider assumes important post in the party. He said third generation of Mufti family has plunged into electoral politics as Mehbooba's daughter, Iltija Mufti is fighting the elections from Bijbehara assembly seat."

"On one side the political parties are busy in rehabilitation of their kith and kin while as the educated, unemployed youth continue to be jobless. The regional parties while being in power did nothing to address the burning issue of unemployment with people being the ultimate sufferers," said Raina.

The APSCC Chairman said the youth should remain vigilant in the upcoming assembly elections and vote for candidates who can solve their problems.

He asked the youth not to be misguided by the fake slogans of the traditional parties and instead give chance to new people who are able to come to their rescue.

Raina said that sectors like tourism, fishing, floriculture, silk industry and others can provide jobs to the youth but people at the helm of the affairs lack will power to improve others' life and the production of these sectors.

He said that APSCC has a blueprint for addressing the unemployment issue of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.