Stating that Jammu and Kashmir was passing through one of the most difficult phases in its history due to the recent devastating floods, Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajad Gani Lone said, for a change- let the political parties give preference to people over politics.It is strange that some political parties are behaving as if nothing has happened and conditions are normal. Kashmiris are desperately trying to recover from the devastating floods. There is a real threat that the theory of normalcy being propagated by a section of politicians would dilute the perception of losses outside Kashmir. Kashmiris desperately need assistance and grants from the Central government. If we are to portray a picture of normalcy it effectively becomes an indicator of losses. And it would be a negative factor in evaluating the final assistance package which the affected people are anticipating. A catastrophe has hit Kashmir and we plead not to dilute the intensity of that catastrophe by painting a picture of normalcy.
It is time to have some mercy on the Kashmiri people and deal with the situation on humanitarian grounds rather than political grounds. The recent visit of the election commission has yet again seen statements by traditional power seeking oligarchs the NC, Congress and the PDP. Some want the elections to be held on time while some want it to be delayed. The core content of the statements unambiguously reflects a lust for power. It seems to be a race to rob the people of any relief assistance that might come their way. He said that it is a reality that conditions in Kashmir will take a long time to get back to normal. The new government which is to be elected is going to rule the state for six years. The least the Kashmiris deserve is some time to recover from the shock of homelessness and losses. We need to collectively decide whether people are yet ready for elections or not. We as aparty are ready for elections at any time. But as on date, electoral activity does come across as embarrassing for any self-respecting politician. Priority should be given to relief and rehabilitation. Electoral code of conduct would certainly become an impediment in relief and rehabilitation operations, he added. The biggest threat remains that of low participation. If elections are thrust on an unwilling and flooded population and it keeps large sections of people away from participating, we will be in all probability be saddled with a non-representative government for the next six years, he added.(KNS)