S. Manjit Singh asks voters to bring change in J&K

• Says elected Govt will be responsible to the public

SAMBA: Apni Party Provincial President, Jammu, and Former Minister, S. Manjit Singh today asked the voters in Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the proposed Legislative Assembly elections in large numbers to bring a change by electing a democratic GOvt in the erstwhile state that deserves statehood restoration, and full powers to the elected Govt.

“Jammu and Kashmir has a history that has been reduced into a Union Territory that is being ruled directly by the Central Govt through the Lt Governor where the local people have hardly any say. Hence, it bypasses all the elected institutions, and the constitutional values that guarantee equitable development, employment, protection of resources and environment,” said S. Manjit Singh, while addressing a meeting at Parmandal Block in Bari Brahmana of Samba District.

The meeting was also attended by the J&K ST Wing, President, Saleem Alam. The people listed their problems before the Former Minister alleged that the authorities do not listen to them, and initiate works at their own wishes that often leads to the harassment and displeasure of the general masses in the name of development, he said citing the anger among the people against the present form of Govt.

He said that “The people have alleged that the LG Govt has completely failed to workout the issues confronted by the people. The development is taken as excuse to harass the people whereas the official work takes days to complete.” He said that the Govt offices often remain deserted with no presence of the people and questioned the attention of the authorities if they work for the welfare of the people.

“The basic amenities like lanes, drains, clean drinking water, and supply of electricity 24/7 remains a distant dream even till date in Parmandal, Bari Brahmana, and other areas of Samba as well as other areas in Jammu Province,” he added raising the question mark on the claims of development that are being made by the administration.

He said that SC/ST colonies are allegedly being discriminated against with poor basic amenities, and worse road connectivity. “There is no sanitation, garbage collection, maintenance of water bodies, and collapse of the public grievance redressal system,” he alleged.

These circumstances have compelled the people to think for a change in the governance that would be beneficial for them, and the elected Govt would also be accountable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said, assuring all possible support to the people, and their growing concerns. He said that “The voters shall not miss the opportunity and participate in the proposed Legislative Assembly elections in J&K in order to elect a Govt of their choice.”

He further stated that if the Apni Party Govt forms next Govt in Jammu and Kashmir, the aspirations of the general masses, especially marginalized and economically poor sections of society will have their representation, and their issues regarding development, protection of resources, reservation of employment for locals in industrial sector of J&K would be protected at any cost.

He also criticized the expanded role of non – local influential contractors, mining and liquor mafia in Jammu and Kashmir that has eroded the rights of locals on the natural resources, employment and business. Therefore, the Apni Party is committed to protect the rights of the locals, he added.