Will prioritise granting Gujjars their rightful forest rights: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Sep 12: The Vice President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Omar Abdullah, today said that if voted to power his party will prioritise Gujjars their rightful forest rights.

He also questioned the promises made by the BJP regarding the future of J&K post August 5, 2019. According to a press release, Omar was addressing a public rally at Kahara in Doda. The rally was organised by the party's senior leader Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy. Senior party leader and MP Anantnag Rajouri Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi also accompanied Omar.

Omar criticised the BJP for failing to deliver on their promises of jobs, development, and investment in the region. He highlighted the fact that none of these promises have materialised, and instead, the people of J&K are facing numerous challenges such as unemployment, lack of development, and inflation. He accused the BJP of neglecting the needs of the people and pushing them into difficult situations.

Omar pointed out the dire situation in Doda, where locals are struggling to find employment in local projects, facing high utility bills without adequate water and electricity, elderly citizens are not receiving their pensions, roads remain in poor condition, and hospitals and schools are in need of significant improvements. He demanded answers from the BJP, asking, "Where is the new dawn? Where are the jobs? Where is the investment?"

Omar Abdullah's shed light on the harsh realities faced by the people of J&K and called for accountability from the government in fulfilling their promises for the betterment of the region.

He emphasised that the BJP is merely using empty slogans to appeal to the Gujjar community, without taking any significant steps towards implementing forest rights.

"Our Gujjar brothers and sisters are still waiting for their fate to change, but when the NC comes into power, we will prioritize granting them their rightful forest rights. We are committed to improving infrastructure in Doda and the Chenab region, with a focus on enhancing tourism, roads, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. These initiatives will be at the forefront of our agenda," he said.