Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 2: Expressing serious concern over the delay and reported non-utilization of central funds sanctioned for bunker construction in Jammu and Kashmir’s border areas, National Conference (NC) additional general secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra has called for a high-level probe to fix accountability and ensure justice for border residents facing persistent threats along the LoC and International Border.
In a sharply worded statement issued today, Sadhotra criticized the “lackadaisical and indifferent approach” of the BJP-led Central Government and its “proxy” J&K administration. He said that despite frequent cross-border shelling incidents and civilian casualties, the Government failed to ensure timely construction of individual and community bunkers in vulnerable districts like Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch.
He termed the non-utilization of sanctioned funds not just an administrative lapse but a human tragedy that could have been prevented. Referring to recent media reports highlighting large-scale underutilization of bunker construction funds, he questioned the accountability of those in power over the past decade, calling for a time-bound probe into the lapses.
Sadhotra reminded that it was the NC that had first proposed the construction of bunkers after listening to concerns from border residents and panchayat members. In contrast, he alleged, the BJP made ceremonial announcements without meaningful execution, resulting in continued trauma and displacement of border dwellers.
Calling the “double engine Government” slogan hollow, he accused the BJP of failing on critical deliverables like bunkers. He urged urgent measures to expedite the construction of all pending bunkers and appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene for their swift execution.
Sadhotra demanded the release of a district-wise status report showing sanctioned, completed and pending bunkers, along with fund utilization details, to ensure transparency and restore public trust. Reiterating the NC’s support for border populations, he said timely action is crucial to safeguard their right to life and dignity.
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