Attempts to Split Political Parties Must Be Condemned in Democracy, Says Mian Altaf
Srinagar, June 18, KNT: National Conference Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad on Wednesday said the proposed protest seeking restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir will be held as scheduled at the commencement of the forthcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Talking to reporters, Mian Altaf said the protest is part of the party’s continued efforts to seek restoration of statehood and would go ahead as planned when Parliament convenes next month.
“I think the Parliament session will be held in July and we will protest. It is our right, our duty and our obligation. We are only doing our duty,” Mian Altaf said.
The Member of Parliament reiterated that the demand for restoration of statehood remains a legitimate political and democratic aspiration and that elected representatives are duty-bound to raise the issue at appropriate forums.
Responding to a question on developments involving splits and factionalism in political parties across the country, including cases involving parties such as Shiv Sena and Trinamool Congress, Mian Altaf said democratic values require that every political party be allowed to function independently and without interference.
He said the integrity of political organizations should be respected and any attempt to weaken or fragment parties through unethical means runs contrary to democratic principles.
“Every political party should be allowed to function without any unethical practices. That is the beauty of democracy. Any attempt to break political parties should be condemned in a democracy,” he said.
Mian Altaf maintained that a robust democracy thrives on political plurality and institutional propriety, adding that political differences should be resolved through democratic processes rather than through measures that could engender mistrust among voters. [KNT]
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