Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 9: Congress Legislator Naresh Gupta today asked the PDP-BJP Government to withdraw all the cases registered against Jammu youth during 2008 Shri Amarnath Land row agitation on the pattern of cases revoked against 4500 stone pelters in Kashmir.
While speaking on the Governor’s address in the Legislative Council today, the Congress Legislator asked the BJP members sitting in the House as to why they were silent on the issue while more than 200 FIRs were pending against the Jammu youth. He said that agitation was fully supported by BJP cadre and then why they were silent on it. He also questioned the silence of BJP legislators and ministers on the discrimination against the educated youth of this region in recruitment. He said in the recruitment on SPOs, teachers, lecturers, assistant professors etc, the Jammu is facing extreme discrimination while the BJP was maintained total silence.
He pointed out that while there was violence and war like situation in Valley, the Governor has been talking about era of peace in his opening paragraph. He asked what is the definition of peace if the situation is valley has reached where civilians and security force men are being killed every day. He alleged that Accountability Commission, Vigilance Commission and Panchayat Raj system has been weakened by this Government.
Meanwhile, praising the Governor’s address, BJP member Ramesh Arora said that Government has laid thrust on restoration of peace and tranquility in the state, which was a welcome move. He said that peace is imperative for development and prosperity and efforts are being taken to meet the commitment made by the Coalition Government.
He urged the Government to address the problems of youth whole-heartedly to keep them away from violence. He further stressed on the need to involve youth in peace process and development of the state.
Welcoming the provision for chopper services to far flung areas, he said it would greatly help to mitigate the problems faced by the people of these areas.
NC member Qaiser Jamsheed Lone urged the State and Centre Governments to take in account the ground realities in the state while addressing the issues of the people. He further called upon the Government to reach out to youth and address the problem of unemployment and other related issues.
Referring to AMU scholar from Lolab joining militant ranks, Lone said that the Government must think over this dangerous trend seriously. He said the Government should come up with a vibrant policy to bring such youth in the mainstream by addressing their concerns and alienation.
While appreciating government, PDP Member Firdous Ahmad Tak hailed it for setting the stage for a sustained peace process and development of the State.
“The achievements of the Coalition Government bear testimony to the fact that its core agenda is to restore peace and tranquility in the state” he said.
Tak held previous dispensations responsible for worsening situation in J&K and praised the efforts of the present government for providing justice to the pellet victims. He said framing of policy for regularization of more than 60,000 casual workers clearly reflects that the present government is people friendly.
He urged the government to pay heed to the issues of people of far-flung areas of the Chenab valley and take further steps to elevate their living standard. He said there is a need to form a roadmap to augment development process in the area.
Muzzafar Ahmad Parray said that the Government should look into the reasons of educated youth joining militant ranks in the valley. He also appealed the government to improve the power scenario and reduce power curtailment in Kashmir valley, which is severely affecting the Kashmir industry. He also suggested to bring some change in the procedure during conduct of Joint House and said that Governor should only inaugurate the Joint Session while Chief Minister should project the achievements and plans of the government.
PDP Member Saif-ud-din Bhat appreciated the Government for initiating massive development in the state and working towards restoration of sustained peace.
He also praised the Centre for appointing special interlocutor to start dialogue process and to find a legitimate solution to the prevailing situation in the State. He also lauded government for providing amnesty to stone pelters, who, he said were being used for meeting political ends. He also thanked the government for providing adequate food grains in far-flung areas.
Girdari Lal Raina (BJP) appreciated the steps taken by the government to expand the outreach of education, particularly promotion of education among girls. The Congress members Naresh Gupta and G N Monga strongly reacted to his remarks in Kashmiri against Ghulam Nabi Azad on which both Congress members snubbed him and sought intervention of Chairman. The Chairman then adjourned the House for the day amidst heated arguments.
Follow our WhatsApp channel