Srinagar, Nov 08 (KNO): Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Saturday criticised the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying the ongoing political developments in Nagrota reflect a “friendly contest” between NC and BJP.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Srinagar, AIP State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said it has now become absolutely clear that what is happening in Nagrota is “a friendly match between NC and BJP.”
“Omar Abdullah’s token visit to Nagrota, where he barely spoke for a few moments, carried a tone that reflected softness toward the BJP rather than opposition,” Ashiq said, adding that NC’s entire focus remains on Budgam, not Nagrota, not development, not people’s issues and only Budgam.
He also said the NC has again betrayed Budgam by sidelining the constituency and staging a managed show in Nagrota.
Ashiq also criticised NC and PDP for staying silent on the Public Safety Act (PSA). He said NC introduced the law in Jammu and Kashmir and even after the abrogation of Article 370, when most laws changed, the PSA remained. “Why are NC and PDP silent when Kashmiris are still being booked under PSA?” he asked.
He said only AIP took the protest to Jantar Mantar demanding scrapping of PSA and release of prisoners including jailed MP Engineer Rashid.
Ashiq also welcomed Aga Ruhullah’s decision not to campaign for NC and urged Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari and Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen to support AIP candidate Nazir Ahmad Khan “for dignity and justice in Budgam.”
Responding to media queries, AIP Chief Spokesperson, Inam un Nabi, said Engineer Rashid was shifted from Jail No. 3 to Jail No. 1 after he complained against some jail officials accused of taking bribes from Kashmiri prisoners. “After the complaint, the harassment began, attacks, injuries and pressure to withdraw it. He never gave in,” Inam said, reiterating the demand for a judicial inquiry.
Inam also said voters in Budgam must see through the pattern of dynastic politics. “If you vote for NC, PDP or BJP, it is the same. All three candidates belong to the same family. This dynasty has controlled Budgam for 70 years,” he said.
He also said, “People trusted him, but he left Budgam and went back to Ganderbal. This is the history of betrayal.”
The AIP leaders also urged the people of Budgam to “end decades of exploitation” and unite behind Nazir Ahmad Khan, calling it “the only path toward justice, political integrity and restoration of people’s rights.”—(KNO)