Srinagar, Dec 14: (GNS) Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) on Monday said the hilly areas of Chenab and Pirpanjal have faced “grave neglect” at the hands of ruling BJP while the unilateral abrogation of state’s unique status has aggravated the development deficit and administrative inertia in the regions.
“The self anointed messiahs of Jammu who used to cry over the so-called development deficit and step-motherly treatment have let down the people of Jammu proper, not to talk about the areas of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Khathua, and other adjoining hilly areas,” NC Additional General Secretary Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, while addressing people at Darhal, Noushehra, Shadra Sharief, said.
Dr. Kamal, according to a statement issued to GNS, made various stopovers at various places and interacted with people, who received him with enthusiasm.
Addressing the people, Dr. Kamal said the people of Rajouri and Pooch districts in particular faced neglect on all fronts ever since BJP had its hands on power in Centre and J&K.
“The step-motherly treatment being meted out to the border districts should not be seen in isolation. The indifferent attitude of BJP towards the developmental needs of Rajouri and Poonch was part of their agenda to disempower Gujjars, Paharis, and other communities in the region,” he said, adding, “Disempowering tribal population was high on the agenda of BJP.”
“On the contrary, successive NC led governments made synergized efforts to foster development in the two hilly districts. The very idea of Mughal road, and BGSB University was conceived by Sher-e-Kashmir. Majority of the road projects had also come up during the successive NC led Government. The areas, wherever I get to interact with people, I am being told, have been left to its own fate. The problem of unemployment, bad connectivity of roads, poor telecommunications, and unaccountability has pushed the locals to the wall,” he said.
Dr. Kamal said the people of Poonch and Rajouri see PAGD as a ray of hope amidst these “turbulent times”. “People are all out for PAGD. People from all walks of life are appreciative of the efforts of Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah for teaming up an alliance for the restoration of people’s rights which were unilaterally, unconstitutionally and undemocratically snatched,” he said.
On the occasion, PAGD candidates also addressed the people. Dr Kamal was accompanied by district president Shafat Ahmed Khan on his campaign trail. Dr Kamal during his public outreach urged the people to vote and support only PAGD candidates. (GNS)
