Shadow Correspondent
Udhampur, Feb 12:
Sunil Verma, District President, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Udhampur, has reiterated the demand for the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the BJP-led central government has only given hollow assurances to the people of the region.
The senior NC leader was speaking while addressing a gathering at Tehsil Latti in district Udhampur. On the second day of his tour to Tehsil Latti, a public meeting was organized by Khalid Hussain Malik, Block President Latti, along with Salim Malik, Secretary, and Younus, President Vyapar Mandal Latti, Sunil Verma was the Chief Guest, while Adv. KD Sharma and Akash Verma were the Guests of Honour.
During his visit, Verma engaged with locals of Latti Market, including residents of Sira and adjoining panchayats, listening to their grievances and developmental concerns.
The locals raised several pressing demands, including the need for a stadium and other sports facilities for the children of Latti Tehsil. Jeet Singh, Naib Sarpanch of Panchayat Sira, urged the government to construct a road from Sira to Kulaq. Additionally, locals demanded the upgradation of High School Sira to a Higher Secondary School to ensure better educational opportunities for students in the region. Another major concern highlighted was the failure of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme, as pipelines laid under the project remained non-functional due to a lack of proper water supply sources and an absence of necessary staff, disrupting smooth water distribution across the tehsil.
Ch. Barkat Ali, a senior leader, raised the long-pending demand for the construction of Chari Mangla Bridge, emphasizing its importance in improving connectivity and easing transportation hardships for the local population.
Addressing the gathering, Sunil Verma lambasted the BJP for its failed policies and neglect of the genuine concerns of the people. He stated that despite ruling for the past ten years, the BJP has done nothing substantial for the welfare of the people except making empty promises. He stressed the dire need to end the dual governance system in Jammu and Kashmir, as it has only led to confusion and inefficiency.
Verma said that the dual power system in J&K has failed to address the concerns of the citizens, and the return of statehood is essential for restoring democracy, ensuring good governance, and safeguarding the rights of the people. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take concrete steps in this regard without further delay. Verma assured the locals that he would take up their grievances with the concerned ministries for immediate redressal.
Adv. KD Sharma and Akash Verma motivated the party cadre to intensify efforts for the upcoming local body and panchayat elections to ensure a resounding victory for JKNC. They urged workers to mobilize support at the grassroots level and work towards strengthening the party’s presence in the region.
Other prominent leaders who spoke at the event included Sr. Gurmeet Singh Josh, District Vice President, Ch. Abdul Rashid, District Secretary, Amarnath (Retd. Principal and District President SC Cell), Om Parkash, Block President Udhampur, Sadiq Mohammad, and several others. Prominent local figures present in the meeting were Ghulam Hussain (Retd. ZEO), Ghulam Mohammad, Women Leader Zaida Kabir, Youth Leader Gulzar Ahmed Wani, Bahadur Ali, Wazir Mohammad, and many more.
Sunil Verma reaffirmed commitment of Omar Abdullah government in addressing the pressing issues of the people. He called upon the citizens to unite in their demand for justice and a better future for Jammu and Kashmir.
