Resignation a small act of defiance, says Shah Faesal

Ehsan Fazili

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 11

Describing his resignation from the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) as a “small act of defiance” against the government, Shah Faesal on Friday said he was not joining any political party but planned to consult all stakeholders to reach out to people of Jammu and Kashmir.

In his maiden press conference here on Friday, Faesal said his main goal was to restore peace for which he expected support from people of all three regions of the state.

“As of now, I have no plans to join any party in the state… I will meet people, including youngsters, and important stakeholders,” he said while outrightly ruling out joining the Hurriyat Conference as it does not “believe in electoral politics”.

Stressing Parliament and the state Legislature provided important space, he said, “we need well-meaning people there”.

With regard to contesting elections, Faesal said he would take any decision only after taking views of all sections of society.

The IAS topper said as he “had been in the system for many years”, he would work in a positive manner to assuage the suffering of the people.

Highlighting the need for good governance for resolution of various issues, he lamented that the mainstream parties “had not been able to deliver”.

On his decision to resign, Faesal said it was a strategic move. “I have used it at the right time,” he said, adding that he felt extremely relieved.

The youth icon said he resigned in protest against the lack of political initiation to assuage the hurt feelings of people, lack of initiative for peace from the Centre, failure to prevent escalation of violence in Kashmir and the use of Articles 370 and 35A by political parties for electoral gains.