The Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) has protested against the government’s decision to stop providing subsidized ration to the Above Poverty Line (APL) category. The DPAP held a peaceful protest in Srinagar and marched towards the Divisional Commissioner’s office to denounce the move, which they deem as anti-people and anti-friendly. The party believes that no decision imposed on the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be acceptable if it goes against their welfare.
Taj Mohiuddin, the treasurer of DPAP, argued that the government officials who came up with this decision should have learned from history. He stated that the scheme was launched during the time of Maharaja’s rule, and shali stores were set up everywhere in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure food security for all, especially since the UT is food-deficient. He added that the current population of UT has grown manifold since the times of Maharaja’s rule, while food production on the other side has drastically come down. Thus, it is the responsibility of every welfare state to ensure that no one sleeps hungry, and the government cannot deprive people of food.
The DPAP’s peaceful protest aimed to urge the government to continue providing subsidised ration for the APL category. The party firmly believes that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have access to essential food items. If they fail to do so, it will put the welfare of the people at risk.
In conclusion, the DPAP strongly opposes the government’s decision to stop subsidised ration for the APL category, asserting that it is not anti-friendly and anti-people. Instead, the party emphasises the importance of continuing food security measures, as it is a basic right of every citizen to have access to essential food supplies, and no one should go hungry.
