DPAP only hope of J&K people: Azad

Jammu: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday promised overall development of Jammu and Kashmir without any religious or regional bias if his party was voted to power in the union territory.

Azad said that in the present political uncertainty, his party is the only hope of the people as he has never done politics on a religious or regional basis and believe that people deserve equal opportunities with dignity.

“We never discriminated between the regions and treated them equally in all manner,” said Azad at a party joining function here.

Secretary of Apni Party Kulwant Singh from Marh constituency, and social activist Suraj Prakash Sharma joined DPAP in Azad’s presence.

The new entrants said that they joined the party since Azad holds a strong political understanding and he can only take the Union Territory out of the present situation

Meanwhile, Azad 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 achieved martyrdom.

Azad, however, said that he is still critical of the revocation of Article 370 since it hurts the interests of the local people.

Azad expressed concern about the militancy resurfacing in Jammu region with a growing number of incidents.

“I am disappointed to see militancy is expanding to Jammu. It is detrimental to peace,” he said.

Azad said 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 said.

Appreciating the people of Jammu for building rich secular values, Azad said that they should be cautious against all those forces who have no contribution to its development but play petty politics for their personal gains. UNI VBH SSP