Excelsior Correspondent
BILLAWAR, Feb 16: The activists of `Billawar Zila Andolan’ held meeting in Tehsil office complex here today and resolved to give further momentum to the agitation.
Former Sarpanch of Bhaddu, Sudesh Sapolia presided, whereas, convener of Zila Andolan, Hari Chand Jalmeria (Adv) was chief guest at the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, Jalmeria gave resume of the over two decades struggle of the Billawar Zila Andolan for creation of Billawar district. He apprised the participants that the activists of the Andolan have held meetings in different parts of Billawar, Basohli, Bani, Ramkote, Lohai-Malhar, Mahanpur tehsils during this period of two decades for creating awareness regarding the demand of Billawar district. There has been great response of the people in support of this genuine demand. He said there was need to give momentum to the struggle.
Jalmeria further explained that present Kathua district headquarter is at South East corner touching Punjab and Pakistan borders and people residing in six (6) hilly tehsils have to travel to district headquarter walking and travelling about 100-150 kilometers. Districts were created at smaller distances in Kashmir and other areas but demand of Billawar district was ignored. District headquarter at such a long distance denies people of access to administration for seeking redressal their democratic demands. The conditions of most of the roads in these areas are in very bad shape and many areas have still no access to roads. The tourism, agricultural, horticultural and hydroelectric potential of this hilly belt remain ignored, added Jalmeria.
He appealed the present administration headed by LG to consider and concede the demand of Billawar district.
Sudesh Sapolia called upon the people to get prepared for big struggle for creating Billawar District which is rightful demand of the area. Many Sarpanchs of the area attended the meeting. The meeting also decided to hold conventions in different Blocks of the area in the coming days.
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