Apni Party holds protest in Ramgarh, submits memorandum to Govt

RAMGARH (SAMBA): Apni Party today held a protest demonstration in Ramgarh and submitted a memorandum demanding compensation for people whose land was used for ditch-cum-bandh construction in the border areas of the district.The party’s Provincial President and former Minister, S. Manjit Singh, led the protest, which was organised by spokesperson Adv. Sahil Bharti in Ramgarh town.

Leaders and workers from the district and block committees of Apni Party from various areas participated in the protest, urging the authorities to accept the people’s genuine demands.Addressing the protesting party leaders and workers, former Minister S. Manjit Singh said that there is uncertainty among border residents in Samba and other areas, as they have not been granted property rights over the land allotted to them decades ago by the then government in erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir. He said that ownership of the allotted land would enable the border dwellers to exercise their property rights; however, the same is being denied by the government.

He also highlighted the demands of the border residents whose land has been utilised for the construction of a ditch-cum-bandh in Ramgarh and other areas.“The land-use compensation was not given to the allottees but to the custodian department, which has violated norms. These border residents were allotted the land and have cultivated these barren lands for decades, making them fertile.

Therefore, they should be given compensation for the use of their land for defence purposes,” he added.At the same time, he referred to the general concern of the people regarding the hike in LPG cylinder prices and the subsequent shortage of stock at LPG depots. He urged the government to monitor the markets and control the rising prices of LPG and other essential commodities so that the common masses do not suffer.

He also expressed deep concern over the 18% hike in passenger fares, increased electricity bills for consumers, and other related issues.He said that the ruling National Conference and Congress had assured the people before the Assembly polls that they would provide 200 units of free electricity and remove electric meters once they came to power. However, nothing of that sort has happened.

Meanwhile, he criticised the BJP for turning a blind eye to the long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the restoration of statehood.“The restoration of statehood was assured by the BJP and its leadership,” he said, questioning the silence of its leaders.He added that unemployment is at an unprecedented level in J&K, and the issues of daily wagers remain unresolved.

Meanwhile, The Provincial Spokesperson, Adv. Sahil Bharti, also addressed the protesters, demanding an end to drug addiction, which has led to multiple criminal activities.“The future generation must be protected by putting up a fight against drug addiction,” he said, urging the administration, civil society, and the police to work in a coordinated manner.

Expressing concern over the situation of domestic cooking gas users, he also criticised the NC and Congress Party for having assured 12 LPG cylinders free of cost before the Assembly elections. However, these parties have failed to fulfil their promises, thereby misleading the common masses to gain votes.Later, former Minister S. Manjit Singh led Apni Party leaders in handing over a memorandum to the government through the Tehsildar of Ramgarh.