Srinagar Mar 4 (Reporter) The Chairman of Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), Ghulam Nabi Azad, called for unity among the people on Monday to safeguard their future. Addressing a public meeting at Aishmuquam Pahalgam in south Kashmir, Azad encouraged unity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister invoked the timeless words of poet Allama Iqbal, "tumhari dastan na hogi dastanon mein," urging people to rise above divisions and work collectively towards a brighter future. Azad rallied the people against divisive forces seeking to oppress them. He said some elements are attempting to suppress the people, while others have succumbed to compromise, either in the past or potentially in the future. However, he stressed the urgent need for unity to thwart these attempts. Later, talking to reporters, Azad said statehood should be restored to J&K immediately after the assembly elections. "As the government has not given any date, statehood should be restored immediately after polls,” he said. On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Srinagar on March 7, Azad said it was overdue. He appealed to the PM to set up four thermal power projects—two each in the Kashmir and Jammu regions— with a total generation capacity of 4,000 MW to ensure there is no energy deficit in J&K. “That is the only way to address unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. In his speech, Azad appealed for the collective effort to combat poverty and accelerate development in the region, drawing upon his track record of accomplishments as both Chief Minister and Union Health Minister. "My sole aim is to uplift the poor and ensure peace. We are committed to revitalising the tourism sector," he said. He lamented the untapped tourism potential in South Kashmir, pledging to address this oversight and harness the region's abundant opportunities for development. He reiterated his staunch resistance against the revocation of Article 370 in Parliament, along with his vocal opposition to the CAA/NRC and mob lynchings. He specifically pointed out the silence of the MPs from the National Conference, expressing concern over their failure to speak up on these significant matters. He urged the people not to fall under the influence of political parties that seek to divide communities based on religion or region. Azad highlighted the plight of impoverished families who bank loans to educate their children, only to find their highly educated youth struggling to find employment. He pledged that his government would prioritise job creation and address the issue of unemployment and underemployment by regularising casual labourers and ad hoc employees. He also made commitments to initiate thermal power projects and provide free electricity to impoverished households, aiming to alleviate the burden of utility expenses on those in need. Azad also pledged to introduce legislation to protect both land and jobs, ensuring the security of livelihoods for the people and the immediate restoration of statehood. He vowed to uphold and enhance schemes like the Roshni Scheme, aimed at empowering marginalised communities and providing them with opportunities for growth and development...////...