Shadow Correspondent
Kishtwar, June, 10
In a fervent address at Tanta Kahara in Kishtwar district, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, Vice Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) and former minister, delivered a scathing critique of the current government’s neglect and injustice towards the Chenab Valley. Highlighting critical issues such as deteriorating infrastructure, rising unemployment, and increasing drug abuse among youth, Saroori passionately called for immediate action and reform. He urged the community to reflect on the substantial developments achieved under the leadership of Ghulam Nabi Azad, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and to prepare for the upcoming assembly elections with a renewed focus on progress and justice.
Saroori reminisced about his tenure, underscoring the significant developments achieved under the leadership of Ghulam Nabi Azad, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. “During our time, we built hospitals, schools, and roads, and we are dedicated to serving the public until our last breath,” he declared, emphasizing the era’s transformative impact on the Chenab Valley. He expressed his frustration over the poor state of the roads constructed during their administration, lamenting the lack of maintenance by the current government.
Reflecting on the extensive developmental activities during Azad’s tenure, Saroori listed the establishment of hospitals, schools, colleges, higher secondary schools, district statuses, Anganwadi centers, and Panchayats. He questioned the current government’s contributions over the past seven years, asking, “What have they given you, my dear people, in the last seven years?”
Addressing the rampant drug abuse among youth, Saroori urged the community to be vigilant and prepare for the upcoming assembly elections. He condemned those who supported controversial figures in the recent parliamentary elections, referencing the support for individuals implicated in the Kathua rape case. “God will do justice with those who supported the rapists of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua,” he asserted, specifically calling out Ch Lal Singh for his actions against the nomadic community.
Saroori concluded by advising the electorate to remain alert in the forthcoming elections and to support Ghulam Nabi Azad, emphasizing the need for a government that genuinely cares for and develops the Chenab Valley.
“We need to save the lives and future of our youth,” he urged, calling for a return to the principles and developmental agenda of the Azad era.
Later Saroori also addressed an annual function day at Madrasa Tanta and highlighted the importance of Madarsa education, asserting that children educated in Madarsas would grow up to be justice-oriented professionals. “If they become doctors & Engineers, they will do justice with the masses,” he said.
