Democracy cannot thrive by silencing critics: Farooq Abdullah
Linking the health of democracy to both freedom of expression and electoral transparency, National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah has called for an accountable political system in which dissent is respected, public confidence in elections is protected and democratic institutions remain credible.
Dr Farooq Abdullah said good governance and effective administration require a strong, active and empowered opposition that can highlight public grievances and hold the government accountable.
He said the role of the opposition in a democracy is not confined to criticism alone, but also includes representing public aspirations, reviewing government policies and safeguarding constitutional and democratic values.
Dr Farooq Abdullah said that suppressing the voice of the opposition, refusing to tolerate dissent and denying people the right to raise their legitimate concerns undermines the very spirit of democracy and renders claims of good governance meaningless. He stressed that a strong democratic system rests on freedom of expression, respect for differing opinions, public participation and institutional accountability, adding that any departure from these fundamental principles is detrimental to democracy.
He expressed concern over the alleged use of intimidation, pressure and excessive force to silence dissenting voices and create an atmosphere of fear.
Dr Farooq Abdullah observed that the approach being adopted to suppress people’s voices in the national capital today reminds one of the treatment that the people of Kashmir have faced over the years. He said that silencing public voices, restricting dissent and ignoring legitimate demands do not resolve problems but instead widen the gap between the people and those in power. The strength of democracy, he said, lies in ensuring that every citizen has the freedom to express their views and pursue their rights through peaceful and constitutional means.
He said that the vote is a valuable trust placed by the people and the foundation of democracy. Ensuring transparency in the electoral process, restoring public confidence and safeguarding the credibility of democratic institutions are therefore essential.
Dr Farooq Abdullah further reiterated that the National Conference would not compromise on the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the party would continue its efforts to secure the legitimate constitutional rights of the people, strengthen democratic institutions and achieve the restoration of statehood.