Srinagar, 11 October (H.S.): The Centre's tackling of protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi is a reminder of the treatment people of Kashmir have faced over years, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah said, asserting that suppressing the voice of the opposition, and denying people the right to raise legitimate concerns, undermines the spirit of democracy.

In a statement issued here, Abdullah said good governance and effective administration require a strong, active and empowered opposition that can highlight public grievances and hold the government accountable.

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, he said.

The former chief minister said suppressing the voice of the opposition, refusing to tolerate dissent and denying people the right to raise legitimate concerns undermines the spirit of democracy and renders claims of good governance meaningless.

A strong democratic system rests on freedom of expression, respect for differing opinions, public participation and institutional accountability. Any departure from these fundamental principles is detrimental to democracy, he added.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar