NC to grant rightful forest rights to Gujjars: Omar  

Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, Sept 12: Former Chief Minister and vice president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Omar Abdullah today questioned the promises made by BJP regarding the future of J&K, post Aug 5, 2019.
He made these comments while speaking in a public rally at Kahra in Doda. It was organized by the Party’s senior leader Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy. Senior party leader and MP Anantnag- Rajouri Mian Altaf also accompanied him.
Omar criticized the BJP for failing to deliver on their promises of jobs, development, and investment in the region. He highlighted the fact that none of these promises have materialized, and instead, the people of J&K are facing numerous challenges such as unemployment, lack of development, and inflation. He accused the BJP of neglecting the needs of the people and pushing them into difficult situations.
Former CM pointed out the dire situation in Doda, where locals are struggling to find employment in local projects, facing high utility bills without adequate water and electricity, elderly citizens are not receiving their pensions, roads remain in poor condition, hospitals and schools are in need of significant improvements. He demanded answers from the BJP, asking, “Where is the new dawn? Where are the jobs? Where is the investment?”
Omar Abdullah threw light on the harsh realities faced by the people of J&K and called for accountability from the government in fulfilling their promises for the betterment of the region.
He emphasized that the BJP is merely using empty slogans to appeal to the Gujjar community, without taking any significant steps towards implementing forest rights.
“Our Gujjar brothers and sisters are still waiting for their fate to change, but when the NC comes into power, we will prioritize granting them their rightful forest rights. We are committed to improving infrastructure in Doda and the Chenab region, with a focus on enhancing tourism, roads, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. These initiatives will be at the forefront of our agenda,” he added.