Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 22: National Conference (NC) additional general secretary and former Minister, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, today termed as unfortunate the remarks of AICC General Secretary in-charge J&K, Dr Syed Naseer Hussain, and said that myopic criticism cannot undermine the proactive governance and leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the recent crisis in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the emergent situation triggered by torrential rains, cloudbursts, flash floods and massive landslides-leading to prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway-once again brought to the fore the committed approach of the Omar-led Government. “At a time when people were staring at despair, Omar remained at the helm, galvanizing administration, coordinating at all levels and ensuring that essential supplies, medical aid and relief measures reached the affected population without delay,” he added.
Sadhotra maintained that the month-long outreach to rain-hit people instilled confidence and rekindled hope among sufferers. He pointed out that timely intervention by the Chief Minister facilitated operation of freight trains to transport fruit and maintain supplies, while his meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari secured deployment of a central team to oversee restoration efforts on the highway.
Calling the Congress leader’s remarks misplaced, he said they overlooked tangible measures that brought relief in an hour of crisis. “To suggest that elected representatives have abdicated responsibilities is not only unfair but contrary to ground realities. People of J&K are witness to the manner in which NC has consistently stood by them in testing times,” he said.
He further underlined that any realistic assessment of governance must also factor in the structural constraints created by the BJP-led Centre, which has denied restoration of Statehood, eroded democratic institutions and disempowered elected representatives. “Even in such circumstances, NC has not shied away from its duty and continues to fight for the rights of the people,” he asserted.
Reiterating NC’s stand on statehood, protection of land and job rights, and safeguarding democracy, Sadhotra said, “Our larger goal is restoration of democracy, rights and dignity to the people of J&K.”
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