NC, allies press for Statehood, Oppn alleges Govt failure
* No minister visited Doda in 15 months: Shakti Raj
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Feb 3: While opposition-BJP trained guns at the ruling National Conference, holding it responsible for creation of two Union Territories in the Jammu and Kashmir and failure of Government to deliver on the development front, the ruling party and its allies (Cong, CPIM etc) pressed for the restoration of Statehood to the Jammu and Kashmir without any more delay.
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Taking part in the discussion on Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha’s address in the Legislative Assembly today, BJP MLA, Shakti Raj Parihar from Doda West, alleged that many Members from the ruling National Conference and its allies have raised voice for the restoration of Statehood and criticized the BJP- led Central Government for dividing Jammu and Kashmir state into the two Union Territories.
Launching a scathing attack on the ruling National Conference, the BJP MLA alleged that `NC itself’ is responsible for the creation of UTs in the Jammu and Kashmir. He referred to the rigging of elections during 1987, and rise of militancy and killing spree in the Jammu and Kashmir. Without naming any one, the BJP MLA alleged had some people not supported it (militancy) and allowed it to flourish, the Centre would not have created the UTs.
“UTs In Logon Ki Den Hai,” the BJP MLA said adding while pointing towards the treasury benches. Parihar further said revocation of Article 370 was the core agenda of the BJP but creation of UTs was not there. New Delhi was forced to take such a decision in view of the misdeeds of `some people’ here who were responsible for creating such a situation here. He also referred to the killings of the Kashmiri Pandits and their forced exodus from Kashmir. Central Government wants restoration of total peace in J&K and is committed for it, the BJP Member asserted.
He reminded the ruling National Conference of its poll promises with regard to 12 free LPG cylinders, 200 units of free power supply, provision of 10 kg free ration to the BPL families, regularization of daily wages etc. He alleged that NC Govt failed on these promises and to ensure development despite the fact that Centre is providing huge funds to the UT Government.
Parihar assailed NC- led Govt for discrimination with Doda and Kishtwar area. He alleged that not even a single Minister from Omar’s cabinet has visited Doda so far since the formation of Government about 15 months ago.
Senior Congress Member and party’s Chief Whip, Nizamuddin Bhat alleged that bureaucrats hardly bother about the elected Members of this house. Folding hands towards the Assembly Speaker he referred to an act of disrespect to elected public representative and said that all the members of this house deserve respect and there was need to mend the system. He narrated an incident where a senior doctor made him to wait for long and showed disrespect.
The Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo who was also present in the House, stood up and asked the Congress MLA to reveal the name of the doctor and where he is posted so that an inquiry is initiated and action taken against him. The MLA, however, said that he was not in favour of an action now. The Speaker, suggested that if the Member was not interested in action, he should have avoided to raise the issue in the House.
Bhatt further said the people of J&K are feeling dejected. They are being suppressed and terrorized. Even the elected representatives are not spared. The police have given all the powers and even an SHO is free to enjoy total freedom and others here are being treated as if they are criminals. The rule of baton prevails in this part of the country. He referred to the plundering of the local resources, damage to the forests and ecology of the J&K and sought collective approach to protect the same.
NC MLA Farooq Ahmed Shah and BJP MLA Sham Lal had heated arguments when former said that there was Governor’s rule in J&K, when the BJP members are claiming that rigging took place here. BJP MLA stood up and told the Speaker that Shah was trying to mislead the House as there was popular Government led by NC in the power during that period. He even recalled the names of some ministers who were in the cabinet during that time.
This led to a heated arguments between the two members. Another BJP Member Pawan Gupta also joined his party colleague and objected to the remarks of the NC Member. It led to heated arguments for some time and later the situation was controlled with the intervention of the Chair.
BJP MLA from Katra, Baldev Sharma referred to the massive infrastructure development in Katra town and said that Central Government is providing huge funds for the development of Katra as Model town with world class facilities. He claimed that Katra will get 24-hour water and power supply. He expressed disappointment over slow pace of work on Rs 2000 cr project related to infra development in the Holy town.
PDP Member Rafiq Naik alleged that ruling Government has failed to deliver on the development front and fulfill its promises made with the people during elections. He forcefully demanded alternative road to Shri Amarnath shrine, regularization of daily wagers, resolve issue of unemployment and put a check on prolonged power cuts in Kashmir.
National Conference leader and MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar called on the Government of India to take bold steps to reintegrate political leaders who have, for various reasons, remained outside the mainstream political spectrum.
Speaking in response to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address to the Assembly, Salman said that the Government of India must make efforts to bring political leaders outside into the mainstream.
The NC leader also demanded the release of political prisoners, urging for the general amnesty of the youth who have been detained without trial and have been languishing in different jails of the country on minor charges.
Addressing the role of coalition partners and the Congress party specifically, Salman said, “Our coalition partners, with all due respect, should also forcefully voice the aspirations of the people here at the national level. Whether in Parliament or outside, they should realize the demand of the state. He further called on the Congress leadership-described as a “major national party” to amplify the demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and stressed that their support could make a substantial difference.
He acknowledged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s sincerity and approach in dealing with the challenging circumstances, describing it as a “genuine healing touch,” and urged Delhi and opposition to appreciate the balancing act being performed by the National Conference led Government in Jammu and Kashmir.
BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma charged the Omar Abdullah government with failure on all fronts and said that in the name of achievements, there was nothing on ground except the welfare schemes and developmental works by the Government of India.
Participating in the discussion on Lt Governor’s address, he alleged that the National Conference Government was non-serious in fulfilling the promises made to the people in its election manifesto. “Tell us what is the contribution of this Government in expansion of rail network in J&K or collection of GST,” he said and alleged that there was no planning for future in the LG address.
The BJP MLA said that despite 16% increase in revenue collection and check on Transmission and Distribution losses in the power sector, which was appreciable, there was 50 percent curtailment in power supply in Jammu region. He also sought to know why the House Committee constituted to probe alleged irregularities in implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in J& K was not submitting its report.
Listing failures of the Government in creating employment avenues, free LPG cylinders and ration to economically weaker sections, Sham Lal alleged that Jammu was completely missing in tourism promotion by the Government. “We will make this Government accountable and continue to grill its failures,” he concluded.
Congress Legislature Party leader, Ghulam Ahmad Mir pitched for united efforts cutting across party lines for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to convene an all-party meeting to build consensus and approach the Centre on the issue.
“I appreciate what (CPIM MLA) Tarigami said. Efforts were being made over the last six months to request Farooq Abdullah and Omar to convene an all-party meeting, including the BJP, on this issue. We need to build consensus and approach Delhi to ensure restoration of statehood,” he said.
Mir reiterated that the August 5, 2019, decision to abrogate Article 370 and bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories was taken unilaterally without consulting the people or their representatives. “Had the Supreme Court not ruled that elections must be held and a Government formed, perhaps none of us would be sitting in this House today,” he remarked.
The Congress MLA said that people across Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of their political affiliations, feel aggrieved as the powers that should have been vested with the elected Government and legislators are still lacking. He also referred to the Chief Minister’s statements about administrative challenges and said that such developments affected public perception and governance at various levels.
Mir noted that despite constraints, the Government had taken steps towards employment generation, noting that around 7,000 people were provided jobs in 2025 and recruitment for 30,000 to 32,000 additional posts was underway. “In such difficult circumstances, filling nearly 40,000 vacancies is no small achievement,” he said, adding that several sectors, particularly health, were facing acute staff shortages despite having infrastructure in place.
Highlighting achievements of the Omar Abdullah Government despite constraints and difficult circumstances in absence of statehood to J&K, NC MLA Aijaz Jaan accused BJP of ignoring Peer Panchal and Chenab Valley regions.
Strongly opposing the idea of separate Jammu, the Poonch MLA said he condemns such demand on behalf of Peer Panchal region and appealed the Government of India to re-unite Ladakh with J&K.
Referring to BJP’s demand for establishing National Law University in Jammu, the NC MLA said: You (BJP) forced closure of MBBS College (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence) and people of Jammu have now started realizing that BJP is damaging Jammu.”
“Let us go together to Delhi and demand three Central Universities (NLUs) for Kashmir, Jammu and Peer Panchal,” he added.
The NC MLA alleged that BJP Government at Centre did not sanction bunkers for Poonch and this was the reason that 18 civilians lost their lives during Operation Sindoor. Only two bunkers have been sanction, one at DC office and another also at Government office for VIPs to safely hide themselves during emergency.
Participating in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Lieutenant Governor’s address, independent Legislator from Inderwal Assembly segment, Pyare Lal Sharma praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his Council of Ministers for giving focused attention to development works in his constituency.
He said it was for the first time since Independence that the Marwah-Dachhan area received Rs 82 crore for electrification, along with liberal funding under departments such as RDD, PW(R&B), School Education, Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare.
Sharma further claimed that issues related to staff shortage in Educational and Health institutions were addressed for the first time by the Omar Abdullah-led Government.
He also demanded establishment of a Medical College in Kishtwar, appointment of a Block Development Officer in each block and grant of ST status to the Pahari-speaking population of Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts.
NC MLA Hasnain Masoodi, appreciated the Government’s vision document, stating that Jammu and Kashmir’s development trajectory continues to be guided by the principles of Economy, Ecology and Equity.
He lauded the Government for recording 82 crore e-transactions during the previous year, averaging over 22 lakh transactions per day, and for integrating 128 services with DigiLocker.
Masoodi also praised complete Aadhaar seeding of welfare beneficiaries, enabling direct transfer of Rs 9000 crore to 80 lakh beneficiaries under 77 DBT-based schemes in the current financial year.
He claimed uninterrupted power supply was provided to both Jammu and Kashmir regions and criticized BJP for targeting the NC over free electricity, asserting that delivery of the promise mattered more than the scheme’s name.
BJP MLA from Ramgarh, Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, raised concerns over the lack of UT-specific initiatives in the Address, stating it relied heavily on Centrally sponsored schemes while ignoring issues like unemployment, power shortages, drinking water, rural infrastructure and farmers’ problems.
He highlighted shortages of doctors, staff, diagnostic facilities, dialysis units and MRI machines, stressing the need to strengthen public healthcare.
Dr Manyal also flagged issues related to education staffing, SC/ST welfare, reservation in promotions, transfer policy delays, urban solid waste management and sanitation workers’ regularisation.
Concluding, he said the opposition supports peace and development but cannot back a Motion of Thanks that overlooks genuine public concerns, urging region-specific and youth-focused development planning.
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