Srinagar, 06 Jan: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference State Women’s Wing President and MLA Habba Kadal Shameema Firdous Tuesday presided over a meeting of the Women’s Wing functionaries and office bearers at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, Srinagar.
Addressing the gathering, Shameema Firdous called upon party workers to prepare vigorously for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections, describing them as a critical opportunity to restore grassroots democracy and people’s participation in governance. She urged the cadre to intensify door-to-door outreach and take the message of Omar Abdullah’s people-centric governance to every household.
She said that despite persistent obstacles created by unelected authorities, the National Conference remains committed to empowering local institutions and strengthening democratic structures from the ground up.
“The elected government led by Omar Abdullah is being continuously obstructed by an unelected administration headed by the Lieutenant Governor and a coterie of bureaucrats who are accountable to no one,” she said adding, “Yet, despite these hurdles, Omar Sahib continues to deliver and stand with the people, reaching them where the administration has repeatedly failed.”
Highlighting the importance of ULB elections, she said strong local bodies are essential for addressing civic issues, ensuring accountability, and giving residents a direct voice in decision-making. She stressed that the Women’s Wing has a vital role to play in mobilizing voters, particularly women, and ensuring maximum participation in the democratic process. She also criticized New Delhi for its continued failure to honor its commitment to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
“What was projected as a temporary arrangement has turned into a prolonged phase of political uncertainty and disenfranchisement. The people of Jammu and Kashmir were promised dignity, development, and democratic rights. Instead, they have been handed silence and bureaucratic rule,” she said.
