Srinagar, Aug 1 (Reporter) National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said lack of democratic rule was hindering progress and stifling the growth in Jammu and Kashmir. “The imposition of direct rule from New Delhi has resulted in a surge of bureaucratic hurdles in the region, particularly affecting remote areas”, the NC leader said this while interacting with a delegation from Bhaderwah here today. A party statement said Farooq lamented the devastating effects of direct rule from New Delhi and the absence of a democratically elected government in Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed concern over the daily struggles faced by the people, with no electricity, no water, crumbling roads, dilapidated hospitals, and a complete lack of accountability. "The youth, faced with rampant unemployment, have been driven to the brink by the drug menace”, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said and added “promises made by the government have fallen flat in the face of the multitude of issues plaguing the region”. He said Bhaderwah, a remote area, has borne the brunt of this neglect which was once attended to by dedicated MLAs and MLCs, and now finds itself at the mercy of bureaucrats who have no connection with the people, he alleged. “These faceless officials are not held accountable to the public in the way an elected MLA would be. The people of this region are suffering, and their voices are being drowned out by the deafening silence of those in power," he said. On the occasion NC Vice president Omar Abdullah directed the party functionaries to take on the burdens of the public, amplifying their voices at every opportunity. He emphasised that the NC cadre must dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the cause, tirelessly advocating for the day-to-day struggles faced by the people. Abdullah insisted that the doors of the party's local unit functionaries must remain open 24/7, ready to listen and act on the concerns of the public. The ongoing public contact program must be intensified, leaving no doorstep unvisited. He urged the grassroots level functionaries to knock on every door and explore every corner of the constituency to truly understand the challenges faced by the people...////...