![Senior Congress leaders Vikramaditya Singh, Dr Manohar Lal and others at public meeting in Hiranagar. Senior Congress leaders Vikramaditya Singh, Dr Manohar Lal and others at public meeting in Hiranagar.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/funsung-7.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Mar 19: Former Minister and senior Congress leader Dr Manohar Lal Sharma along with ex-MLC Vikramaditya Singh today conducted a public meeting at border village of Barnari, tehsil Hiranagar and sought their support for Congress party candidate.
While addressing people, Dr Sharma lambasted previous BJP-PDP Government for totally neglecting the people residing along International Border and also failing to provide the promised compensation to those affected by cross border firing. He said more than 3000 ceasefire violations has taken place in which nearly 1400 civilians and security personnel have attained martyrdom in last five years.
He further termed the announcement of 3% reservation to IB people by present Government is just an eye wash as mere 3% reservation will not solve the problems of 3 lakh people spread over 350 villages along International Border.
DCC chief said if Government is serious about people residing along IB then it should bring them under RBA category which will open door of 20% reservation to these people and cater for more job opportunities and further development of the people.
While speaking on the occasion, senior Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh said that due to regular ceasefire violations by Pakistan, lives of the people resolving along IB is not smooth and easy. Students are the worst sufferers as almost major time of the year schools remain shut thus making them lagging behind from other students, he added.
Singh said that false and fake propaganda of BJP stands exposed as people residing along LoC and IB are still waiting for the compensation of five marla plots each at safer places as promised by previous BJP Government. Neither those who have died in cross border firing got compensation , nor they have been provided with the job.
Both the leaders requested the people to vote for ensuring victory of Cong candidates in the upcoming Parliamentary elections.
Others, who spoke on the occasion included Subash Gupta (ex-MLC), Girdhari Lal Chalotra (ex-MLA), Indu Pawar (ex-MLA), Prem Lal (ex-MLA), Ajeet Singh, Surinder Singh and others.