GMC Handwara Relocation Row: Mir Junaid demands CBI probe

Kupwara, Jun 9: Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party President Mir Junaid Monday demanded a CBI investigation into the proposed relocation of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara.

He said that the move by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government was politically motivated and aimed to gain undue political mileage.

Talking to media persons at his Langate residence in north Kashmirís Kupwara district, Mir said that nearly Rs 50 crore had already been spent on developing infrastructure at the original site in Gund Chogal where the Home Minister had laid the foundation stone.

ìNow because the CM wants to re-lay the foundation in his name, efforts are being made to scrap all that work. It is political arrogance, not development,î he said.

He termed the proposed relocation as a betrayal of public trust and a blatant misuse of taxpayer money, calling for a full-fledged investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

ìThis is a fit case for the CBI to investigate that if at all the Omar Abdullah government is trying to waste Rs 50 crore of public money, they must be held accountable through CBI,î he said.

He also called for the accountability of those officers who have selected the original site and warned those who are supporting the relocation of GMC.

ìThe time has gone when officers would work without accountability. People are watching whether they stand with the Chief Minister or the Home Minister of the country,î he said.

He vehemently criticised the National Conference-led government for sabotaging the aspirations and emotions of the people. He said that the relocation of Government Medical College will damage public faith.