Ghulam Nabi Azad: Will insulate interests of J&K residents with law if voted to power

“Our land and jobs were protected by Article 35A (of the Constitution) but after its abrogation with Article 370 (in August 2019), Jammu has become vulnerable as anyone coming from outside will prefer the city rather than going to the hilly districts of Jammu or Kashmir,” he said.

Azad sought the people’s support in forming the next government in J&K.

He also asked people to vote wisely in the parliamentary polls so that the elected candidates become their voice and highlight their issues in Parliament.

Referring to local people’s dependence on government jobs in the absence of big industries, Azad said: “Our biggest factory is the government jobs and for this, if our brethren from across the country come, whether Hindus or Muslims, then where will our children go.’’

He said more than 80 per cent of the area of J&K has mountains or forests and if the usable land “is also purchased by outsiders then our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will have to beg’’. In his speech, he also appreciated PM Modi for giving AIIMS, IITs and IIMs to both Jammu and Kashmir, and also Lt Governor Manoj Sinha for initiating development works.

The DPAP leader justified the Election Commission’s decision of not holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in J&K. Azad, however, urged the poll panel to hold the state polls in J&K within a couple of months after the Lok Sabha elections.