Vakil asks Central Govt to take CBMs ahead of polls

Senior leader of People's Conference, Abdul Gani Vakil addressing party meeting at Rafiabad on Sunday.
Senior leader of People's Conference, Abdul Gani Vakil addressing party meeting at Rafiabad on Sunday.

Excelsior Correspondent
RAFIABAD, Feb 18: Senior leader of J&K People’s Conference and former minister Abdul Gani Vakil today urged the Central Government to implement Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) before the upcoming Parliament elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to party workers in Rafiabad, Vakil emphasized the importance of addressing key public issues to ensure wider participation in the electoral process, including the restoration of statehood to J&K.
Vakil highlighted the need for the Central Government to grant statehood to J&K and provide a special employment package for unemployed youth in the region to encourage greater participation in the elections.
He stressed the rejuvenation of the fruit industry, which supports thousands of families in the area.
Expressing concern over the plight of daily wage workers, Vakil called for their regularization before the elections, emphasizing that fulfilling this commitment would bolster the government’s credibility.
Accusing the National Conference of deceiving the public for political gain, Vakil criticized recent statements by Dr Farooq Abdullah regarding a potential alliance with the NDA, alleging that such actions underscore the party’s willingness to compromise principles for power.
Vakil urged party workers to advance their efforts for the upcoming Parliament elections, emphasizing the need for credible representatives who will address the genuine concerns of the people.
He also criticized former MPs from Kashmir valley for their absenteeism in Parliament and failure to address the region’s issues effectively.