Sameer Showkin
Srinagar, April 24: The J&K Right to Information Movement (J&KRTI) along with other non-government organizations Sunday held candle-light demonstrations against corruption in the state.
Addressing the rally, J&K RTI president, Dr Muzzafar Bhat urged government to implement Lokayukta type of bill in Kashmir.
Bhat said that the ‘Locapal bill’ can’t be implemented in Kashmir as per article 370. “But we appeal the government to pass the same sort of bill in the state to stop the corruption in the state.
Bhat also said the people of Kashmir should be treated same as the people of India. ”We cannot be treated as second class citizens when it comes to combat corruption with serious legislation”
Muzzafar urged for the creation of ‘Joint Drafting Committee’ that should comprise the best legal minds of J&K and relevant cabinet ministers, a nominee from civil societies and retired justices and other anti-corruption experts.
Muzzafar was flanked by the senior vice president of Awami National Conference Muzzafar Ahmad Shah. Shah has already announced valley wide protests against corruption. Both Shah and Bhat recommended for Lokayukta type legislation.
The activists were demanding that the corrupt people who are sitting in the higher ranks should be punished and detained under PSA.
RTI activist from Dalgate said there is a lot of embezzlement going in the save Dal project. “These officials have made this land a hell. They are all corrupt.”
They threatened the authorities to stop the corruption in the state otherwise they have to face serious consequences of it.
They later moved towards Lal Chowk with candles in their hands to protest against corruption in the State.
