Early Times Report JAMMU, Jan 29: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference today convened a crucial meeting of Jammu Central Zone at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan Jammu to discuss the prevailing political scenario of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was convened and Presided over by Babu Rampal, Central Zone President of JKNC and former minister in which Ajay Sadhotra, Additional General General Secretary and former minister, and Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of JKNC, In the meeting, District Presidents, Block Presidents and office bearers of Jammu Zone were present. The primary focus of the meeting was to deliberate upon the challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in absence of popular government in Jammu and Kashmir and the delegate session of JKNC Central Zone to be scheduled on 8th of February,2024. Addressing the meeting, Ajay Sadhotra observed that in the absence of a popular government, the authorities in different departments had adopted a non-serious approach with nobody ready to listen to the woes of the people. He emphasized that the prolonged absence of Assembly elections has exacerbated the difficulties faced by the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. He underlined the dire need for democratic processes to be reinstated in the Union Territory to address the concerns and aspirations of the people effectively. In view of prevailing circumstances, Ajay Sadhotra urged party workers to intensify their efforts and prepare for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Emphasizing the importance of active participation, he called upon party members to engage with the electorate and work tirelessly to garner support for the party. Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, JKNC, raised serious concern over the postponement of ULB (Urban Local Bodies) and Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He observed that Panchayat Raj system has collapsed today due to expiring of term of Panchayats in J&K and said that BJP has deliberately delayed the Panchayat and ULB elections due to fear of defeat. He said that BJP wanted to control the powers in the lands of few bureaucrats to easily run through remote control from the Centre to carry out the propaganda of the government at the Centre through the administrative machinery, for the upcoming elections. He questioned the government about the reasons behind the delay in conducting the Assembly elections, ULB and Panchayat elections and why the people of Jammu and Kashmir from democratic setup. The Provincial President asked the party workers presented in the meeting to highlight the genuine issues of the people which are viciously impacting the normal life of the common man. He said that National Conference stands for secularism, socialism and democratic values and is committed to strengthen the communal harmony in the region. He said that any attempt to disrupt it would be fought with full force. "We have to unitedly work for the unity, integrity, peace, progress and prosperity for the people of the Jammu and Kashmir", he added. Addressing the meeting, Babu Rampal threw light on the challenges confronting the people of the Jammu region due to the non-availability of basic amenities, with authorities at the helm showing minimal concern for the hardships faced by the general public. He emphasized the stark challenges encountered by the youth, highlighting the alarming levels of unemployment that have cast a shadow over their future prospects. Expressing deep concern for the younger generation, he underscored the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address unemployment, recognizing its far-reaching impact on the well-being and aspirations of the youth in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Provincial Secretary, JKNC, Jammu, asked the party workers to further strengthen the party by remaining present among the people at the grassroots level to address their genuine concerns. He urged them to work with zeal and dedication to uphold the political ethos of the National Conference. |