SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said an active and empowered opposition was essential for good governance, public accountability and the protection of democratic rights.
He said the opposition had a responsibility beyond criticising the government, including raising public grievances, representing people’s aspirations, scrutinising policies and upholding constitutional values.
Abdullah expressed concern over what he described as attempts to silence dissent through intimidation, pressure and excessive use of force. He said restrictions on opposing voices and the denial of opportunities to raise legitimate concerns undermined democratic principles.
Drawing a comparison with the situation in Kashmir, Abdullah said the treatment of dissenting voices in the national capital reminded him of the experiences of people in the region over the years. He argued that suppressing public opinion and disregarding legitimate demands would deepen the divide between citizens and those in power rather than resolve underlying issues.
He said democracy depended on freedom of expression, respect for differing views, public participation and accountability of institutions. Citizens, he added, must be able to express their opinions and pursue their rights through peaceful and constitutional means.
Abdullah also stressed the importance of protecting the credibility of elections, describing the vote as a valuable trust placed in the hands of the people. He said transparency in the electoral process and efforts to restore public confidence were essential to maintaining the legitimacy of democratic institutions.
Reiterating the National Conference’s position on Jammu and Kashmir, he said the party would not compromise on the constitutional and democratic rights of the people. He added that it would continue to pursue the restoration of statehood, alongside efforts to protect people’s legitimate constitutional rights and strengthen democratic institutions.
