The former High Court judge, justice Hasnain Masoodi, Wednesday parted ways with the group of concerned citizens (GCC), a formation of prominent persons in Jammu and Kashmir, in the wake of his plunge into the active mainstream politics.
In astatement, a GCC spokesman circulated Masoodi’s message to the Group in thecontext of his decision to enter active politics and contest the forthcominggeneral elections. Justice (retired) Masoodi will be the National Conference’scandidate for the southern Anantnag parliamentary constituency.
Masoodi’s “message” to the GCC read: “It is more or less three years back three of us—Muhammad Shafi Pandith, Sufi (Ghulam Rasool Sufi) and myself met at Shafi saheb’s place and decided to raise our voice as a civil society group against human rights violations, and espouse the cause of downtrodden.
As we went ahead, more respectable people joined in and the Group got recognition as a well meaning civil society group. I am thankful to worthy members for the confidence reposed in me in articulating our views on important issues”.
“I have now decided to join active politics and contest forthcoming parliamentary elections.
I am of the considered opinion that in view of my decision I need to dissociate from GCC. I accordingly while expressing my firm belief that GCC will continue to pursue its objectives with fervour, dissociate myself from group of concerned citizens (GCC).
Shafi sahib whom we have all along treated as our leader may, if necessary, make my decision to dissociate from Group known in appropriate manner. I once again convey my gratitude to all the worthy members,” Masoodi wrote in his message.
On its part,the GCC thanked Masoodi for the “insightful and articulate role played by himas a lead voice of the Group, and also wished him well for his futureendeavours in his quest for service of the people”, the statement read.
“Hispresence will be greatly missed in the Group”.