Prove representative character by participating in polls: Vakil to separatists

Srinagar June 18: Minister for Social Welfare Mr. Abdul Gani Vakil has said that forthcoming elections throw ideal opportunity for Hurriyat Conference to prove their representative character. “Their participation in the election would testify their belief in the democratic values and popular sovereignty”, he added.
He was addressing public meetings at Yarbug and Drusoo in Rafiabad today. Minister for R&B Mr. Jugal Kishore Sharma also spoke.
“Centre and state government were committed to hold free and fair elections in the state to enable all political parties including Hurriyat Conference to contest with power of ballot”, he said expressing hope of massive turn out in the assembly polls scheduled to be held later this year.
Vakil said Azad led government believed in supremacy of constitution and democratic institutions in line with the belief of Congress in popular sovereignty. “Participatory democracy through transparent elections is our creed”, he said.
Mr. Jugal Kishore, in his speech highlighted historical development initiatives taken by Azad led government for speedy socio economic turn around of J&K state. “Our government sincerely believes in achieving prosperity through development and economic landmarks”, he added.
Earlier, the Ministers inspected Bakhipora and Yarbug bridges and reviewed pace of progress. Mr. Sharma impressed upon engineers to expedite pace of work on Yarbug bridge. He also directed for starting work on Bakhipora bridge within 10 days.