DDC Members Of Shopian Left High & Dry as Minister Sakeena Excludes Them From Review Meet

Shopian, Nov 27: In a move that has drawn sharp criticism, Minister Sakeena Itoo today convened a high-level review meeting at the Mini Secretariat in Shopian but excluded members of the District Development Council (DDC), including the Chairperson.

The decision to bypass the elected body has sparked outrage, with many accusing the government of undermining grassroots democracy.

The meeting focused on assessing developmental projects and the implementation of welfare schemes in the district. However, the absence of the DDC Council, which represents the people of Shopian at the grassroots level, has raised questions about the intent behind the exclusion, according to sources.

Speaking on the matter, a member of the DDC Council while speaking to the media expressed deep disappointment. “This is a clear attempt to marginalize elected representatives. The government talks about strengthening democracy, but actions like these only weaken it,” the member said.

The DDC Chairperson also voiced concerns, stating, “We were elected to represent the people and ensure their needs are addressed. Not inviting us to such an important meeting is a betrayal of the democratic process.”

Former MLA and DDC from Zainapora, Aijaz Ahmad Mir said the exclusion is a blow to the decentralized governance model, which was introduced to empower local bodies in Jammu and Kashmir. 

“This move contradicts the principles of participatory democracy. The DDCs are meant to bridge the gap between the administration and the public, and sidelining them sets a dangerous precedent,” he said.

The incident has ignited debates in the district over the role and relevance of the DDCs, with demands for greater respect and inclusion for elected representatives in administrative processes.

As of now, neither the minister nor the administration has offered any explanation for the omission, leaving the people of Shopian and their representatives questioning the government’s commitment to democratic values.