Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 1: BJP general secretary (organization) Ashok Koul stated that the people of Doda, Bhaderwah and Kishtwar have long suffered due to the neglect of previous regimes, particularly during the peak of militancy. He emphasized that these areas were underdeveloped and faced discrimination, but the abrogation of Article 370 has marked an end to this neglect and helped curb militancy.
Koul made these remarks during a meeting of party workers held in support of Shakti Parihar, the BJP candidate from the Doda West Assembly constituency. The meeting was also attended by BJP Doda Prabhari and former Deputy Mayor JMC Baldev Singh Billawaria.
Ashok Koul criticized the National Conference (NC), Congress, and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governments for their flawed policies, which he argued allowed militancy to thrive and pushed Doda into obscurity. He recounted that there were times when senior BJP leadership had to court arrest to demand that Doda be declared a disturbed region due to the selective killings that had shattered people’s faith in the system.
Koul praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for abrogating Article 370, giving the army a free hand, strengthening Village Defence Groups (VDGs), and swiftly acting against militants, which has led to the restoration of normalcy in the region.
He also highlighted the positive changes in Doda, noting that young boys and girls are now entering competitive services, promoting the region’s culture, and participating in political processes, which are all signs of progress. He added that the influx of tourists and traders into Doda is contributing to the region’s prosperity.
Shakti Parihar, in his address, pledged to work for every section of society and make Doda a leading district in terms of business, health tourism and pilgrimage. He pointed out the immense potential of Doda, which was overlooked by previous Governments, and praised Narendra Modi’s leadership for bringing peace and infrastructure development to the region. Parihar sought support and votes for the BJP to establish a credible Government in J&K.
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