Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 19: Kissan Sabha (KS) and Billawar Zila Andolan (BZA) held a brief protest, followed by joint session at Sachara near Macchedi where people from Billawar, Lohai Malhar tehsils participated in large number.
President of Kissan Sabha and convener of Billawar Zila Andolan, Hari Chand Jalmeria (advocate) presided. General secretary of Kissan Sabha, Thakur Dewan Chand was the chief guest.
Sarpanch of Bagan (Makhan Jamodia) and from Lahri, Rajinder Verma, Ex- Sarpanch of Macchedi- Khushi Ram, Advocate Jatinder Bhadwal, Punnu Ram Jamodia, Vinod Reothia, Vikram, Manjeet, Sanjeev projected the issues currently affecting the lives of people of the area. They highlighted the damages caused to roads, houses, school buildings, crops due to landslides in the area and lack of response from the administration.
Sky rocketing prices of essential commodities and negligible job opportunities for the educated youth were the most projected issues. They also expressed grave concern for denial of district status to Billawar.
Jalmeria while speaking on the occasion said that the Government has discriminated with Billawar, Ramkot, Lohai-Malhar, Bani, Basohli, Mahanpur tehsils by denying district stats to Billawar. People of the area have been agitating for creation of district of Billawar for over two decades. Many government have passed but district status eludes.
The area has been subjected to backwardness in various fields of development including road connectivity, tourism potential, providing requisite health infrastructure, developing agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry facilities. All this could be properly planned had the District headquarter been at Billawar.
He expressed grave concern over loss caused to farmers due to landslides and house collapses. A huge land slide at Tanini in village Macchedi has damaged about 130 kanals of land and adjoining areas also washing away two Gharats, destroying fruit and timber plants besides crops. He demanded relief for the affected families.
Other prominent participants included Chuni Lal Mistri, Krishan Gopal Upadhiaya, Joginder Singh, Kirpal Singh, Hukam Chand, Krishan Chand, Waryam Singh, Krishan Singh and Luv Kumar.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
