Janata Dal-United, an ally of BJP Thursday said that due to lack of public representation, people have been immensely suffering since 2019 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference here in Srinagar, President Janata Dal-United for Jammu and Kashmir, G.M.Shaheen said that hundreds of developmental projects in J&K are incomplete. He said that development is visible more on paper than on the ground.
“Roads are in shambles. People yearn for better facilities which they don’t get. There is a power and drinking water shortage. Unemployment graph has been showing an upward trend,” he said and expressed disappointment over the disconnect between public and government.
He said bureaucratic rule is not a substitute to elected government. “People have no access to power corridors and are keen to elect their choicest government,” he said.
Shaheen said that the privatization of electricity will be disastrous for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for Kashmir Valley. “Kashmir witnesses’ inclement weather and there is a long spell of harsh winter when people use heating gadgets for comfort. If electricity is privatized and smart meters are installed, people have to pay heft sums which they can’t afford,” he said adding that despite assurances, the power projects have not been returned back to the people of J&K.
In response to a question, Shaheen said that a selective trial against Bita Karate won’t serve any purpose. He said everyone should be made accountable and brought to justice who is responsible for civilian killings. “Muslims were also killed in Valley. Not only Bita Karate, but the trial against other accused should be started as well.” (KNT)