Chenab region continues to lag behind in every aspect: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Aug 15: National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah today expressed deep concern over the alarming increase in road accidents in the Chenab region, despite the government's claims of development.

He highlighted that the roads in the Chenab region have become a major hotspot for accidents, resulting in numerous fatalities each year, a press release said.

“These accidents cast a shadow over the otherwise beautiful region, causing anxiety among the residents who have to travel on these perilous roads.The picturesque Chenab Valley, comprising the districts of Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda, has unfortunately gained notoriety for frequent road accidents. Over the past few years, hundreds of lives have been lost, leaving families devastated,” Dr Farooq Abdullah.

He emphasised that despite the government's promises of development, no concrete measures have been taken to address this pressing issue during the last decade, particularly when the BJP was in power.

These concerns were raised by Dr Farooq Abdullah during a meeting with party members from District Ramban at Patnitop. The meeting, convened by District President Ramban Sajjad Shaheen, was attended by several party functionaries including Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta, YNC Provincial President Jammu Ajaz Jan, and others.

Dr Farooq Abdullah further criticised the successive governments since 2014 for neglecting the entire Chenab region, undoing the progress achieved under the previous NC-led administrations. He questioned the BJP's priorities, accusing them of overlooking equitable development and communal harmony in the region. “Despite having a local MP as a union minister after 2014, the Chenab region continues to lag behind, prompting people to demand answers from the BJP regarding this persistent issue,” he said.