*Bhalla criticizes neglect of Jammu-Poonch Rail project
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Feb 16: Following Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s statement yesterday, which omitted any timeline for the restoration of Statehood, JKPCC chief Tariq Hameed Karra condemned the Modi Government at the Centre for its undeniable message indicating a lack of willingness to restore Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir in the foreseeable future.
He criticized the BJP-led Central Government for its betrayal, reminding them of their repeated promises regarding the prompt restoration of Statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. Karra pointed out the commitments made on the floor of Parliament, before the Supreme Court, and numerous public rallies by the Prime Minister and Home Minister. He asserted that Rijiju’s remarks clearly illustrate the Centre’s intentions to not honor its commitments to grant early Statehood to J&K.
Karra, who is on a campaign throughout Jammu province with the party’s mission “Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq” advocating for early Statehood restoration, urged the public to be prepared to reclaim their dignity, status, and rights as a State. He addressed a large gathering of party workers at Doongi in Rajouri district, accompanied by senior Congress leaders including working president Raman Bhalla, MLA Rajouri Iftikhar Ahmed, District president & former Minister Shabir Ahmed Khan, DDC Rajouri Sain Abdul Rashid, Iqbal Shawl, Ashok Sharma, Ricky Dalotra, and many others.
Karra highlighted the achievements during the UPA Government, noting the establishment of a Medical College, several degree colleges, ITIs, health and educational institutions, and sports stadiums in the district. He accused BJP leaders of falsely claiming progress while actually neglecting the border regions of Rajouri – Poonch during their ten years in power, especially in connectivity, health, and educational infrastructure.
He emphasized that the Railway project, initiated by Rahul Gandhi following his visit to Rajouri in 2012, with a projected cost of Rs 13,608 crore, has been abandoned. Additionally, he mentioned the closure and merging of several hundred schools.
Karra discussed the widespread unemployment resulting from anti-youth policies of the previous administration. He pointed out that daily wagers, ad hoc, and temporary employees across various departments have faced prolonged hardships; recruitment processes have been halted, the ReT program ceased, and army recruitment transitioned to the Agniveer Scheme, which has contributed to record-high unemployment rates.
Raman Bhalla criticized the BJP for retaining power away from elected officials and the government, entrusting authority to the Lieutenant Governor despite elections and failing to restore Statehood. He accused them of breaking their repeated promises, ultimately leaving the people powerless.
MLA Iftikhar Ahmed raised concerns regarding local issues, including the demand for tehsil status, as well as those related to water, power, rations, and the high unemployment rate, urging governmental attention.
DCC president Shabir Ahmed Khan called attention to the BJP Government’s neglect of the Rajouri Poonch region, particularly in relation to the Railway project and other vital road and electricity initiatives.
