Describing grass-root level democratic institutions pivotal for transformation of rural areas in terms of development, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President and former Union Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday exhorted the cadre to gear up for upcoming elections to Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies.“Massive participation of youth and women is imperative for ensuring their effective involvement in decision making at local levels”, Dr Abdullah said while addressing workers, on the third day of his ongoing tour to Rajouri and Poonch Districts at Surankote and Mendhar.He exuded confidence that the sagacious voters would elect dedicated and public spirited representatives who will change the rural scenario by their innovative ideas. The development of rural areas and improvement of civic amenities in urban and semi-urban areas assume significance in view of the population explosion and growing needs of populace, he added.Dr Abdullah said that National Conference believes in people being real fountain head of power and therefore success of the party in the upcoming elections will go a long way in realizing this cherished agenda. He said the basic level democratic institutions can prove as useful engines of change, if the elected representatives work with a sense of devotion and missionary zeal.“National Conference has a proven record in this regard”, the former Chief Minister said.
The former Chief Minister expressed happiness over rejuvenation of youth, women and students wings of National Conference and hoped that these along with the parent body shall face challenges confronted to the state boldly. “We are passing through a difficult phase as elements inimical to secular ethos of the country have got centre-stage”, he said and hoped that their machinations to divide the people on the basis of region and religion will be defeated by further strengthening bonds of amity and brotherhood,Dr Farooq Abdullah said politics based on hate and suspicion is detrimental to secular fabric of the country and the state and those exploiting religious sentiments for their ulterior political motives are needed to be isolated. “This can be done by maintaining unity”, he said, adding that National Conference has offered numerous sacrifices in maintaining secular character of Jammu and Kashmir. In this context, he referred to the great role played by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah in maintaining the secular ethos of the state during most testing times of the history.Dr Farooq urged party workers to further intensify their mass contact drive and reach out to the people Additional General Secretary, Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, State Vice Presidents Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Shah Bukhari and Mr Rattan Lal Gupta, former Dy Chairman Legislative Council and MLA Mr Javid Rana, Provincial Youth National Conference President Mr Ajaz Jan also addressed the workers.Prominent among those present included Mr Pradeep Bali, Mr Farooq Mughal and senior party functionaries of Mendhar and Surankote. (KNS)