Satish, Gupta review party work in Reasi; seek clarity from LG on SMVDU Medical College Controversy

• Highlight pro-Jammu initiatives; urge cadres to prepare for upcoming ULB, Panchayat elections

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Jammu Province on Yesterday (Tuesday) convened a mega workers’ meeting at Reasi to review the functioning of the local party unit and chalk out the future course of action ahead of the upcoming electoral exercises. 

The meeting witnessed the participation of senior party leader and Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma, Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta, S.Tejinder Pal Singh Aman Provincial President YNC Jammu, District President Reasi Rajkumar Sharma, and Zonal Secretary Reasi Tariq Bhat, along with a large number of local functionaries. 

Local party workers brought several pressing public issues to the notice of the leadership, most prominently the long-pending demand for making the Tehsil operational from Bhamag, as was sanctioned in 2014. They said the Tehsil’s continued functioning from Reasi causes severe inconvenience to the residents. The functionaries urged the minister to ensure immediate operationalisation of the Tehsil office at Bhamag with a dedicated Tehsildar and adequate staff. 

Responding to the concerns, Minister Satish Sharma assured the workers that he would personally take up the matter with the concerned departments and the Hon’ble Chief Minister for early redressal. “People of Bhamag have waited far too long for what was rightfully granted to them. I will ensure that the issue is taken up at the highest levels and resolved without any further delay,” Sharma said. 

He also highlighted the pro-Jammu initiatives undertaken under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, including the restoration of the Darbar Move and renewed emphasis on balanced regional development.“The National Conference under Omar Sahib has always believed in equitable growth, justice, and opportunities for every region. We remain committed to bringing Jammu back on the track of progress, dignity, and development,” Sharma added. 

Speaking on the occasion, Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta urged party cadres to remain fully prepared for the upcoming ULB and Panchayat elections whenever they are announced. “Every worker must gear up for the electoral battle ahead. The National Conference is the only party that has always protected the identity, dignity, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Gupta said. 

The leadership also strongly urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha—in his capacity as Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Pro-Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU)—to clarify the controversy surrounding the SMVDU medical college seats. They said the LG’s silence on an issue involving education, merit, and constitutional propriety was deeply concerning.

“The people have a right to clarity. Ambiguity on such a sensitive matter is neither healthy for society nor for institutions. Educatio n and merit cannot be sacrificed at the altar of communalism,” Gupta added. The party leaders reiterated that only transparent governance, adherence to the rule of law, and a commitment to people’s welfare can ensure unity and integrity in Jammu and Kashmir.