In the aftermath of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Srinagar and his address to the public, the General Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Ali Muhammad Sagar, expressed deep disappointment and criticism. In a statement issued to the Kashmir News Service (KNS), Sagar minced no words in conveying the widespread discontent among the people of the region.
“It’s the same worn-out rhetoric that Jammu and Kashmir has been hearing for the past five years,” Sagar remarked, highlighting the recurrent nature of the promises made by the central government. Despite repeated assurances, there remains a palpable lack of confidence among the populace regarding the holding of elections and the fulfillment of essential commitments.
Sagar articulated the expectations of the people, which were met with dismay as none of them were addressed during the Prime Minister’s speech. The anticipated announcements regarding the restoration of statehood, the promise of a democratically elected government by September, job packages for the unemployed, relief from the power crisis, and major development projects were conspicuously absent. Instead, the audience was presented with recycled projects and rhetoric, failing to meet the aspirations of the populace.
One significant issue highlighted by Sagar was the exploitation of young entrepreneurs under the guise of initiatives like Viksit Bharat. These entrepreneurs, who have strived for success through their own efforts, found themselves disillusioned by the lack of substantial support from the government.
Furthermore, the plight of thousands of poor daily wage workers from various departments, who had traveled long distances with hopes of regularization, was not addressed. Their disappointment was palpable as they left the event disheartened, with their concerns seemingly ignored.
Sagar also drew attention to the coercive tactics employed to ensure attendance at the function, revealing reports of ill employees, including pregnant women, being compelled to attend without exception. Such disregard for the well-being of individuals reflects poorly on the priorities of the government.
The speech, according to Sagar, primarily revolved around manipulating statistics and rebranding old projects, offering little of substance to the people. He lamented the absence of any mention of the return of Kashmiri Pandits, who have been instrumentalized for political gain by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In concluding his statement, Sagar reaffirmed the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference to democratic principles. He expressed confidence that the false narrative propagated by the BJP would be debunked through the ballot box during elections, emphasizing the importance of holding the government accountable for its promises and actions.
As the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to grapple with longstanding issues and unfulfilled promises, the critique voiced by Sagar underscores the pressing need for genuine engagement and meaningful solutions from the government.
