DPAP to ensure equal development in all regions
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, May 7: Former J&K Chief Minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that there should be no politics over terrorism and terror in any part of the world is not in the interest of public.
Azad credited the BJP-led Central Government for bringing peace to the region, but said several things like the abrogation of Article 370 and reconstituting Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (UTs) should not have been done. He was talking to newspersons on the sidelines of a joining function here today.
“Terrorism in any part of the world, including Jammu and Kashmir, is not in the interest of the public. It is the public which suffers huge losses and is forced into poverty and illiteracy. Before terrorism, the Jammu and Kashmir was very peaceful and a favourite destination of tourists from around the world,” Azad said.
“ Tourism has revived over the past two years as peace is beneficial to everyone. There should be no politics over terrorism,” he observed.
The DPAP leader credited the Centre for ending the culture of strikes and stone-pelting in Kashmir.
Responding to a question on growing terror incidents in Rajouri and Poonch districts where 26 security personnel and nine civilians were killed in eight terror attacks since October 2021, Azad said it is a cause of concern for the entire country, and the people of this region.
“Three major incidents took place this year in the Rajouri-Poonch belt, consuming innocent lives. Such incidents should not have happened,” Azad said, adding that people should join hands with security agencies to root out terrorism from the region.
DPAP leader also reiterated his demand for holding of early Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, addressing a gathering during a function, Azad said if his party is elected to power, he will ensure equitable and balanced development in all the regions. He regretted that the remote and rural areas were being ignored in all respects by the UT administration.
Azad said he never discriminated between the regions and treated them equal in all manners. However, he lamented over the growing incidents of violence and said that terrorism is in nobody’s interest while referring to the recent encounter of Rajouri in which five Army jawans attained martyrdom. Azad, however, said that he is still critical to the move of Article 370 revocation since it hurts the interests of local people.
Azad said that in the present political uncertainty, DPAP is the only hope of people as he has never done the politics on religious or region basis and for him all people deserve equal opportunities with dignity.
DPAP leader said that the poor governance and lack of accountability in the system is affecting the economy of people which has led to the decline in job opportunities. “Where shall our youth go now. It is our duty to provide them enough employment opportunities but unfortunately nothing such is done,” he added.
Appreciating the people of Jammu for building rich secular values, Azad said that the people of Jammu must be cautious against all those forces who have no contribution in its development but play pity politics for their personal gains.
Meanwhile, various prominent leaders including the secretary of Apni Party Kulwant Singh from Marh constituency, Suraj Prakash Sharma social activist from Arnia joined the party in presence of Azad.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh said that he joined the party since Ghulam Nabi Azad holds a strong political understanding and he can only take the Union Territory out of the present situation. He said the way Azad worked in past as Chief Minister of erstwhile State and as Union Minister in various capacities, he is hopeful of seeing the fresh dawn of peace and development in the Union Territory once DPAP comes to power under his leadership.
Among others present on the occasion included party vice chairman- GM Saroori, general secretary- RS Chib, Jugal Kishore Sharma- provincial president, Subhash Gupta – provincial vice president, Ch Gharu Ram- Zonal president, Salman Nizami- chief spokesperson, Hira Lal Abrol- secretary, Anita Thakur- general secretary, Ashok Bhagat- district president, Gourav Chopra, PR Manhas, Sobat Ali and others.
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