Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday said the 2018–2024 phase in Jammu and Kashmir had proved that bureaucratic administration could never be a substitute for a democratically elected government that remained deeply connected with the aspirations, emotions and day-to-day concerns of the people.
He made the remarks while addressing a gathering at Anantnag in south Kashmir.
Abdullah said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had decisively expressed their will through the ballot and their democratic mandate must be respected without delay.
He said New Delhi must immediately restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and return complete powers to the elected government so that governance became more responsive, accountable and people-centric.
Abdullah said elected representatives were fully aware of the geographical realities, local challenges and developmental needs of their respective areas as they remained in constant touch with people at the grassroots.
“A representative government listens, responds and acts according to the aspirations of the people, whereas bureaucratic systems often remain distant from public sentiment and ground realities,” Abdullah said.
He said despite numerous challenges and constraints, the present National Conference government, led by Omar Abdullah, had remained steadfast in its commitment to public welfare and pro-people governance.
He said NC legislators continued to stay among the people, share their concerns, listen to their grievances and actively pursue solutions to their problems.
“Our workers and representatives are not disconnected from the masses. They stand with the people in times of difficulty and work tirelessly to ensure that public issues are resolved effectively,” he said.
Reiterating the demand for restoration of statehood, Abdullah urged the Central Government to honour the commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He questioned the continued delay in restoring statehood despite repeated assurances given before Parliament and the Supreme Court that it would be reinstated soon after the elections.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have waited long enough. The promises made to them must now translate into action,” he said.
