Jammu 11 Mar 2020
Expressing concern over prolonged detention of mainstream leaders in Kashmir, National Conference Tuesday welcomed joint statement of the opposition, seeking release of all incarcerated leaders including three former Chief Ministers.
“The appeal made by the opposition to the Centre for release of detainees and restoration of political activities in Jammu and Kashmir is reflection of deeply ingrained democratic spirit of the country that has been acknowledged globally”, senior National Conference leaders said in a joint statement.
The statement regretted continued detention of the party leadership, adding it was for the third consecutive time when the representative voice of people of Kashmir was not allowed to raise people’s issues in the Parliament.
“Denial to Dr Farooq Abdullah in participating in the Parliamentary proceedings is not only undemocratic but a matter of concern for all those believing in highest traditions of civil liberties in this country,” the statement said.
The statement said absence of political activities has created a vacuum across Jammu and Kashmir, with people suffering from a sense of denial, especially owing to complete disconnect with the government.
“This sense of denial and alienation has potential of people losing faith in democratic polity. Earnest steps needs to be taken for restoration of democracy and allowing political activities in a free atmosphere,” the statement said.
The party leaders expressed gratitude to the opposition leaders for their solidarity with Kashmir mainstream and appreciated raising the issue regarding release of senior parliamentarian, in both Houses of the Parliament.
Besides, provincial President Devender Singh Rana, the signatories to the joint statement included Ajay Kr Sadhotra, Surjeet Singh Salathia, Rattan Lal Gupta, Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Javed Ahmed Rana , Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo and others.
