The Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) organized a protest on Thursday in opposition to the government's decision to cease the distribution of free ration among the underprivileged and reduce its supply. Led by former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the party also raised concerns regarding the rising prices of essential commodities and the imposition of property tax.
The demonstration took place at the DPAP headquarters in the Sonawar area of the city, where party leaders and activists gathered to march towards the office of the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir. However, their progress was impeded by the police, who prevented them from moving further near Ram Munshi Bagh.
DPAP's provisional president for Kashmir, Muhammad Amin Bhat, spoke to reporters, expressing the party's frustration at the lack of access to ration and the overall unavailability of essential goods. Bhat stated, "People do not get ration. We want additional ration to be provided to the people. Other essentials are not available. The prices of essentials have increased. Unemployment has risen. We are protesting against all this." He also highlighted the party's opposition to the impending property tax collection by the government.
Furthermore, Bhat called for assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for a popularly elected government to address these pressing issues. "We appeal to the election commission to conduct assembly polls here. Let an elected government see to these issues," he urged.
(With PTI Inputs)
