It’s Civil Society vs. Civil Society in Sopore—But Who Cares?
WS/VP Desk
Sopore, Feb 25 : Amid much commotion—with questions raised, complaints filed, and excitement surrounding the inaugural event—there were also calls for legal action to put a stop to the chaos. This is the story of Sopore, where one civil society has taken legal action against another.
A document in the possession of The Web Story/The Varmul Post reveals that a group has filed a lawsuit for a permanent injunction. The plaintiffs/applicants submitted a motion for interim relief, seeking a temporary injunction in favor of the applicants/plaintiffs and against the non-applicants/defendants, restraining them from using the name of their registered trust, Civil Society Sopore, or receiving any other relief based on the facts presented.
Copies of the document are available here.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a function was held at the Dak Banglow Sopore, where a group claiming to represent civil society inaugurated the event, stating that it was the official ceremony for Civil Society Sopore.
Among the chief guests at the function were MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, ADC Sopore S.A. Raina, and former MC Chairperson Masrat Rasool.
According to sources, Qazi Hasmatulla, a former president of a trade body in Sopore, along with businessman Haji Anayatullah and other senior citizens of the town, were also present at the event.
During the function as per sources many speakers addressed the inaugural ceremony of civil society, asserting that this group would remain open to the public and that there would be no political interference.
The Web Story/The Varmul Post team reached out to various groups in town to gather their reactions regarding this development.
Traders Federation President Haji Ashraf Ganai termed this move unfortunate, stating that instead of creating another group, both should have jointly come forward for the welfare and development of Sopore.
Speaking with The Web Story Post/The Varmul Post, Haji Ashraf said that for the progress and prosperity of Sopore, there should not be a “divide and rule” mentality; rather, everyone should work together as one.
He emphasized that we should work under a single umbrella for the welfare of our town.
Industrial Estate President Javeed Ahmad Bhat also commented on the issue, stating that recently there was an oath ceremony for one of the groups under the title and banner of Civil Society Sopore, attended by civil officials, during which it was announced that Ashiq Hussain Ziki would lead the civil society. He added that recently, on the occasion of January 26, the civil society led by Ashiq Hussain Ziki was also recognized. However, he expressed confusion as to why another group with this name was created if everyone claims they are working for the betterment of Sopore. “Instead of forming separate groups, we should be working together,” he added.
Similar responses were received from various groups in the town that The Web Story/The Varmul Post reached out to. Everyone seemed to have the same question: Is Sopore destined for division only? Can people really free themselves from these groups? Will Sopore truly see any change for the welfare and development?
