Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 25: CPI (M) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami today said that, on one hand, the Government is bragging about the development in J&K, and at the same time, it has failed to provide the basic necessity of electricity to the people.
Addressing media persons here, Tarigami said that since J&K came under the direct control of the center, people are suffering, noting that for real development, the availability of energy holds the key.
“Since J&K came under the direct control of the center, they have been bragging about development, but they seem to have forgotten that for development in the real sense, there is a need for energy (electricity),” he said.
The CPI (M) leader mentioned that much has been promised since 2019 regarding development, employment, and the flourishing of the tourism industry.
“But I would like to ask, if there is no electricity, who will come to visit Kashmir during the winter season? Businesses, small or big, are also suffering. How will they operate in such a situation, and how will it lead to development?” he asked. Click here to watch video
Tarigami went on to state that for industries, the availability of energy is the lifeline, and when that is not provided, talking about development is an “exaggeration and mere wordplay.”
“The health sector is also suffering; how will people get access to healthcare in the absence of electricity? We might have the best doctors available, but will that make any difference?” he said.
He mentioned that the prices of gas cylinders have also gone up in J&K, while in other states, the prices have been reduced. “If it can happen there, why not here? They are just not providing the alternatives.”
The CPI(M) leader said that despite having abundant water resources, the people of Kashmir are reeling in darkness while having no control over power projects lying with the NHPC.
“Many projects are with the NHPC. Governments have sought a participatory relation in this many times, but to no avail. Several commissions have recommended giving control of the power projects to J&K, but if we are deprived of even the basic necessity, then it is injustice.”
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