In view of regaining full statehood in Jammu Kashmir, senior leader and Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday called for a unified political approach for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir`s statehood.
As reported by news agency PTI, Ghulam Nabi Azad also expressed his concerns over the state of development in Jammu and Kashmir, saying while central projects were progressing, state-level initiatives were ’completely halted.’
Ghulam Nabi Azad, while addressing the media, stated that “Even the prime minister and the home minister have committed to restoring it (statehood) on the floor of Parliament. Some mistakes kept happening, due to which there was a delay. First, a demand should be placed (before the government), but people immediately take to the streets,” as per PTI.
“The matter should be discussed seriously, not just to divert public attention,” he added.
Speaking on the ongoing protests and political mobilisations demanding statehood, Azad asserted that while everyone has the right to protest, meaningful dialogue with the central leadership should have preceded such actions.
Senior leader Azad also asserted that “Protests are of two kinds—symbolic and goal-oriented. But before hitting the streets, the political leadership should have engaged with Delhi. We need unity, not fragmentation, on this issue, as cited by PTI.
Furthermore, Gulam Nabi Azad emphasised that the demand for the restoration of statehood has a broad consensus across communities and regions.
He went on to say that “there is no opposition to the idea of statehood—be it in Jammu, Kashmir, or among any religious groups.”
Azad praised the National Conference`s recent proposal for a special session on statehood, noting that the Assembly is a shared forum for all parties and that the issue should not be seen through a party lens.
Also, Gulam Nabi Azad dismissed news of his prospective appointment as India`s vice president as unfounded.
Stating that, “These are mere rumours. Serious constitutional posts should not be discussed on the streets. The media and public should not entertain such talks,” he further demanded that the media act cautiously on this matter.
While slamming the government over other issues, Ghulam Nabi Azad also highlighted, “Development by the local administration is negligible. Labourers could easily be employed through basic infrastructure projects like roads, water, and power supply. I have visited 15 districts. People say that not even a footpath is being built. If there is a government, why is nothing visible on the ground?” as cited by news agency PTI.
The former leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha also criticised the repeated disruptions of Parliament proceedings.
Recalling his own tenure at the Parliament, Azad said, “I have always supported the functioning of Parliament. Even when Lok Sabha was being disrupted, during my time as leader of the opposition, Rajya Sabha would continue its normal proceedings.”
(With inputs from PTI)