IIOJK Dy CM defends Delhi protests, calls for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation
Srinagar : In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has defended protests in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, Choudhary condemned the use of force and baton charges against protesters in the Indian capital, saying the Constitution guaranteed freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly.
He said demands for Kumar’s resignation over allegations concerning the functioning of democratic institutions called for accountability and transparency.
“To strengthen democracy in Jammu and Kashmir and across India, we must ensure a transparent, vibrant and impartial Election Commission. You cannot silence young people with force,” Choudhary said.
The Deputy Chief Minister, accompanied by senior officials, reviewed various developmental projects in Ganderbal during his visit.
Meanwhile, responding to the controversy over religious directives and speaking during a visit to the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal, Choudhary said political parties should not interfere in religious matters, asserting that faith must remain above political considerations and no political party had the right to dictate matters of faith, irrespective of whether it concerned Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism or Christianity.
