JAMMU, Dec 5: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary emphasized on Thursday that the National Conference-led government possesses the strength to tackle the challenges faced by the public. He encouraged government employees to carry out their responsibilities thoughtfully, prioritizing public welfare.
While speaking with reporters after a National Conference (NC) event at its headquarters, held to commemorate the 119th birthday of party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, he remarked that Jammu and Kashmir has endured significant hardships over the past six years due to “bureaucratic rule”.
“Who says we lack power? Our actions speak for themselves; we have suspended underperforming officials to ensure accountability within the system. We are fully empowered, and our objective is to achieve good governance,” the Deputy Chief Minister asserted in response to concerns about the government’s authority in the Union Territory.
He added, “We prefer not to take harsh actions against our employees and ask them to recognize their responsibilities just as we do. Addressing public issues promptly is their right.”
Choudhary reiterated that the people voted the NC into power, stating, “We are not adversaries to anyone. We are answerable to the public, and our employees should reflect that accountability as well. They are part of our community, and we expect them to execute the government’s pro-public initiatives effectively.”
He acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the government, particularly the “decay” in the system resulting from prior bureaucratic governance.
“With time, things will improve,” he concluded, once again advocating for the prompt restoration of statehood for the Union Territory.
Regarding the situation in Bangladesh, he expressed that no innocent lives should be lost or harmed anywhere, emphasizing that “everyone has the right to live.” He urged Bangladeshi authorities to take the situation seriously and ensure fairness for all individuals.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister joined party leaders and members in paying floral tributes to Abdullah in honor of his birth anniversary.
