Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar expressed dismay over the clubbing of polling stations in the ensuing elections saying that ‘reckless’ decision will lessen the chances of wide spread participation of people especially in the remote areas.
Addressing party functionaries, he said, “Polling stationsshould be established at their previous places. How will people travel longdistances to cast their votes? The climatic conditions during early and latespring periods are mostly rainy.”
While referring to the bans and arrest spree in Kashmir, Sagar said, “JKLF has renounced violence in early nineties. The ban will inadvertently close the space for peaceful dissent.
The very timing of banning various socio-political organizations casts a shadow on the intent of Present BJP led central government. National Conference from day one believes in the institution of dialogue and debate. We as a party principally don’t believe in banning ideologies and groups; however we believe that by putting up counter narrative through discussion, debate affords a way forward in this direction.”
While addressing the meet party’s provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani asked National Conference functionaries and workers to gear up and put in their efforts to make party stronger at grass roots.
“It is the youth that has to shoulder the responsibility of guarding the unique status of the state. The ensuing general elections are of supreme importance because it will decide the recourse of the state and country at large for next half a decade. So it is rather imperative for us to have a voice that could raise our issues in the parliament, for that we have to strengthen the efforts of Dr. Sahab.”
Senior leader Mian Altaf while exuding confidence into the workers said that there is no substitute to National Conference in the state, he said, “Parties that are mushrooming every now, are here to implement the agenda of those forces as are inimical to the interests and integrity of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
We as the oldest dispensation of the state owe a sense of responsibility to all. We will continue to work for all sections of our state. Our idea of development is inclusive.”