Ground reality across Jammu region paints grim picture: Omar Abdullah

Jammu, Aug 08: National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah today said that the promises of a "New Jammu and Kashmir" are nothing but empty rhetoric within the power corridors in New Delhi,

“ People in J&K have yet to see any real change or improvement in their lives,” he said. According to a press release Omar was addressing a party workers' meeting in Bani, Kathua.

"I wanted to see the new Bani but my notion was tattered while travelling to the region. The grandiose rhetoric of transformation means nothing to those who continue to struggle and suffer in silence in this remote region. The reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture from the lofty promises made by those in power," he said.

The NC leader further emphasised that despite claims that Article 370 was hindering the development of remote areas in J&K, it has been a decade since we relinquished power and nearly five years since the region was stripped off its unique status.

"However, the promised development in Bani has yet to materialize. There has been no infrastructure improvement in this isolated region; it remains the same as it was in 2014. Hospitals are understaffed, schools lack qualified teachers, and local youth are facing high levels of unemployment. The last direct recruitment drive took place during our tenure in power. Our mothers and sisters are struggling due to reduced ration supplies. In the past, we provided subsidized kerosene, sugar, and wheat, but now they must make do with just 5 kgs of rice.

Basic amenities such as electricity and water are becoming increasingly scarce. People are being charged exorbitant tariffs, yet authorities are turning a blind eye when it comes to providing adequate power and water supply," he said.

Challenging the government's claims of improved security and addressing the historical injustices faced by the Gujjar community, Omar expressed his disbelief on the current state of affairs. He emphasised that the Bani region, once peaceful, is now plagued with militant activities and encounters. "From Bani to Basoli, from Doda to Kishtwar, from Poonch to Rajouri, from Kathua to Samba, reports of encounters and sacrifices of our brave soldiers are all too common.

Areas that were once cleared of militancy are now facing its resurgence. Rather than witnessing an improvement in security, the situation has deteriorated to alarming levels. Former Village Defense Committees (VDCs) are now requesting firearms to protect their villages. Despite assurances that the guns have been silenced, the reality paints a different picture.

The Gujjar community, our brethren, have been left in the lurch as they continue to await the implementation of the Forest Rights Act. Instead of progress, their lands granted to them by Sheikh Sahib under the Land to Tiller Act are being unjustly taken away by the current regime," Omar said.

Referring to a multitude of schemes implemented by successive NC governments, Omar stated that programmes such as Rehbar-e-Zirat, Rehbar-e-Taleem, and other benefits under the Sher-e-Kashmir welfare schemes were distributed to offer relief to our citizens in remote areas. However, for a decade, little substantial progress was made in providing administrative support to those residing in remote regions.