Srinagar, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, President of the National Conference, has voiced significant concerns about the hardships facing the residents of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). At a rally in Srinagar, he outlined the severe challenges imposed by what he described as an unaccountable bureaucratic system that has failed to meet the basic needs of the people.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Abdullah emphasized the urgent need for political change in the region, particularly through the ongoing parliamentary elections. He described these elections as a crucial moment for residents to express their discontent with the Indian administration, especially in response to the controversial changes implemented on August 5, 2019.

Highlighting the increasing difficulties under the current governance, Abdullah pointed to rising unemployment rates, inflation, and a general lack of responsiveness at official levels. “Unemployment is on the rise, people are deprived of basic needs and they are not heard anywhere at the official and administrative level,” Abdullah stated. He also noted that despite promises of job creation, unemployment in the region has reached unprecedented levels, with 1.5 million highly educated individuals remaining jobless and aging out of eligibility for many positions.

The situation in IIOJK, as outlined by Abdullah, presents a grim picture of neglect and administrative failure, fueling dissatisfaction among the populace and underscoring the significance of the current electoral process as a platform for voicing their grievances.