Govt maintaining political silence on key issues: Nayeem Akther

By: Jahangir Sofi

Srinagar: Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Nayeem Akhtar on Tuesday strongly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir administration, stating that they have maintained ‘political silence’ on key promises made by them.

Akhtar, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party event at the PDP headquarters in Srinagar,  accused the government of failing to address critical issues affecting the region and expressed concerns over the erosion of Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy.

“The government is in complete silence mode. The Chief Minister is silent, and only sporadic statements are made by leaders like Farooq Abdullah. Meanwhile, critical issues are being buried deeper—this has been the recurring approach of the National Conference’s politics,” Akhtar stated.

Referencing political developments in Jammu and Kashmir, including from 1947, 1952, 1975, and 1996, Akhtar said these events have historically been used to sideline the aspirations of the people. He said the PDP was committed and stood with the people to keep their aspirations alive.

Asked about a recent resolution passed by the NC-led government in Jammu and Kashmir’s Legislative Assembly, Akhtar questioned the omission of Articles 370 and 35A in the resolution. “Those who proposed the resolution, including their alliance partner Congress, claim that Article 370 is over. The deputy Chief minister, who introduced the resolution himself states there is no mention of it,” he said.

He accused the ruling government of betraying the mandate they received. “We won’t let them forget that they secured votes based on this issue. We will not remain silent unless they address it transparently,” Akhtar added.

Condemning the abrogation of Article 370, Akhtar called it a grave injustice. “For us, the earlier status of autonomy, including Article 370, was central to peace in South Asia. By dismantling it, what peace or resolution can you achieve?” he questioned.

Responding to allegations of the PDP aligning with the BJP, Akhtar dismissed the claims, asserting that the PDP remains steadfast in its principles. “We are PDP, and we know where we stand. Those making such allegations are the ones aligned with the BJP,” he said. He described the resolution as “dead” and suggested that it must have been only introduced with Delhi’s approval.

On the occasion, PDP leader Waheed ur Rehman Para also criticized the current administration for focusing on optics rather than addressing substantial issues. Para stressed on the need to prioritize the political and emotional concerns of the people, particularly issues related to Article 370, 35A, and the plight of political prisoners.

“Administrative photo-ops, review meetings, and token gestures will not resolve these issues. The emotional and demographic concerns—from Article 370 to 35A—demand immediate attention,” Para said. He also criticized the government for failing to deliver on promises such as employment generation, resolving cases against the youth, and ensuring the return of prisoners detained outside the region.

Para said that the PDP was committed to holding the government accountable for its manifesto promises and pushing for concrete action on unemployment, youth welfare, and political engagement.

He said that today PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also appreciated the performance of the PDP MLAs in the assembly. “We will continue to work on these critical matters to ensure the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is heard,” he added. —(KNO)