JKPC Holds Massive Handwara Protest, Slams NC Over Broken Promises, High-Handedness
Adv. Basheed Dar Vows Sustained Campaign Against NC’s Political Overreach; Says Interference in Public Mandate Intolerable
Adnan Sheikh
Handwara, July 2: The J&K Peoples Conference on Thursday mounted a scathing attack on the National Conference-led government during a convention and peaceful protest held at Lone Manzil, Handwara, accusing the ruling dispensation of failing to translate its electoral promises into action while “systematically undermining” the authority of elected representatives through interference in constituency affairs.
The convention, presided over by JKPC Chief Spokesperson and former MLA Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar, was addressed by State Secretary (Organisation) Sheikh Mohammad Imran, Party Spokesperson Mohammad Amin, Political Secretary to the Party President Tasaduq Yaseen, District Coordinator Abdul Ahad Kashmiri and District President Hafizullah Mir.
Hundreds of party workers and supporters from across the Handwara constituency participated in the convention and peacefully registered their protest against what the party termed the government’s “failed policies” and its handling of public issues.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers said the government’s repeated interference in constituency matters had “reduced the people’s mandate to a mere formality” and was creating unnecessary roadblocks in resolving public grievances.
They maintained that issues falling within the domain of the local MLA were being deliberately obstructed, slowing down developmental works and denying timely relief to the people. “This is not merely interference in administrative affairs; it is an interference with the democratic mandate itself,” the leaders asserted.
The party further said the ruling National Conference must answer to the people for what it described as its failure to honour key election commitments. Referring to promises made in the party’s manifesto, including 200 units of free electricity and free LPG cylinders, the speakers said the assurances had remained confined to paper.
“The people voted in the hope of meaningful relief, yet what they have been met with is silence, obstinacy and inaction,” the speakers said, calling upon the government to honour its electoral commitments without further delay.
JKPC leaders also described the government’s approach as “high-handed and dismissive,” stating that the continued sidelining of elected representatives weakens democratic institutions and erodes public confidence in governance. They said attempts to interfere in the functioning of the constituency would neither deter the party nor silence the voice of the people.
Reaffirming their commitment to peaceful and democratic means of protest, the leaders said the Handwara convention marked the beginning of a sustained public outreach campaign to ensure accountability.
“Our struggle is to defend the people’s mandate and secure justice for every genuine public grievance. Today’s convention is only the beginning. If the government continues to renege on its promises, disregard constitutional norms and undermine democratic institutions, this movement will grow into an unstoppable public force capable of shaking this government to its core,” Advocate Bashir Ahmad Dar said in his concluding remarks.
