‘Not holding elections in J-K despite situation being normal is matter of grave concern’: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday said that when the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is ‘normal’, then the delay in assembly elections is a matter of grave concern. Addressing a public meeting in Batamaloo, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman said that the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir is the most “normal” it has been in the last three decades. However, he noted that it was perhaps the first time in J-K’s history that assembly polls were derailed for this long time. 

Azad said that immediate elections must be held in Jammu and Kashmir and it is unacceptable to run the Union territory in an administrative arrangement. 

‘This is a matter of grave concern’

“When the situation was bad in Jammu and Kashmir, and there was bloodshed and leaders left the Valley, Kashmiri Pandits left the Valley, that time also elections took place after five to six years. But, today when the situation is normal, and it has not been more normal than this in the last 30-35 years, still elections have not taken place in the last nine years. This is a matter of grave concern,” the former Congress leader said.

Speaking about the political situation in J-K, Azad however, said that it was for the first time in nearly three decades that such a political rally was held in the Batamaloo area. He said Batamaloo was a very sensitive area and was the point of confrontation between militants and security forces due to which common people were suffering.  “I am happy that the peace has returned to Jammu and Kashmir and especially to these very sensitive areas where common people suffered a lot,” he said. 

‘Centre needs to explain why elections are not held’

The former J-K chief minister said while the lieutenant governor’s administration was doing its job, it cannot replace elected representatives. He said no democracy allows this procedure since only elected members have the right to represent the wishes and aspirations of the people.  “I am not questioning the present dispensation in the Union Territory nor I am saying that they are not working. But it is not their job. It is the job of elected members and that is how the democracies work,” he said. 

“Nine years have passed since the last Assembly elections took place, even when the UT was going through the worst kind of situation it took centre only six years to restore democracy here. The Centre needs to explain why the elections are not held and democracy restored. There is peace and people demand their own representation. How long they will be deprived from it,” Azad said. 

‘Strongly condemned attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza’

Referring to the situation in the Gaza Strip, Azad said people had expectations from the powerful countries to restore peace. He said that he prays for all those Palestinians who lost their lives in the brutal attacks.  “I strongly condemned the attacks on innocent civilians in Gaza,” he said.  

The former Congress leader said he is thankful to all those non-Muslim nations who stood by the people of Gaza in this hour of grief and condemned the attacks on innocent civilians. He said, that when the countries responsible for maintaining peace in the world are themselves involved in imposing war on innocent civilians only God can save this world. 

Among others who were present on the occasion were, Ab Majeed Wani Gen Secretary, Salman Nizami Chief Spokesperson, Haji Musadiq Vice President Province, Shafiq Shabnam Gen Secretary Province, Bilal Peer Zonal President, Amir Bhatt Distt President, Shafat Gaffar Mir Corporator, Nazia Zargar, Gh Rasool Hajam, Gh Nabi Palpori, Kiser Jin, Sheikh Amir Rasool, Er Nazir Yatoo, Tasleema Ara, Dr Shubi Jaan, Farooq Shikari, Fatima Shikari and others.

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