J&K Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary Condemns Nowgam Blast, Urges Unity to End 35 Years of Terrorism

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary

 Jammu and Kashmir Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a massive accidental explosion near Srinagar and said Pakistan-sponsored terrorism must end now, as the region has suffered immensely from the menace over the last 35 years.

He said all the political parties should come together to stand up against terrorism so that the people in Jammu and Kashmir can live a peaceful life.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Today, Jammu and Kashmir woke up to the unfortunate news of a blast at a police station, resulting in loss of precious human lives. The blast was so fierce that its bang was heard in different parts of Srinagar. This is another chapter in the violence that has caused death and destruction in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 35 years,” the deputy chief minister told reporters here.

A massive explosion occured on Friday night when authorities were extracting samples from a large cache of explosives, which were confiscated in the “white collar terror module” case and stored at the premises of Nowgam police station on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Nine people were killed and 32 others injured in the blast.

Offering condolences to the bereaved families and praying for speedy recovery of the injured, Choudhary said Jammu and Kashmir has suffered immensely over the last three decades because of terrorism.

“In addition to the loss of lives, Jammu and Kashmir saw massive destruction and displacement of its people, including Kashmiri pandits. The Maharaja’s state was downgraded into a Union Territory, its special status under Article 370 gone, and the popular government also lost its power,” Choudhary said.

He said the political leaders often talk about destroying Pakistan and taking back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

“Whether someone takes it back or not, there is a need to understand the pain of Jammu and Kashmir. We have to see what its problems are and how they can be addressed, to benefit the people who have suffered from terrorism,” the deputy chief minister said.

In an apparent reference to the recent unearthing of a “white collar terror module” and the arrest of a group of doctors, Choudhary said that no parent would like their child to join terrorism or turn a drug addict, especially when they have utilised all their resources to ensure his admission in a professional institution.

“The son has made a mistake, but blasting his house meant punishing his parents and siblings. This is not justice,” Choudhary said, adding, “If the children are not following their parents’ dreams, the matter needs to be looked into.”

He said that instead of engaging in blame games, political leaders should rise above party interests and come together to work out a strategy to help end terrorism.

“We want the Nowgam blast to be the last, so that the people of Jammu and Kashmir can live a peaceful life and fulfil their dreams,” he said

Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary Visits Badhaal Village Rajouri, Offers Support to Bereaved Families

Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary

Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today visited Badhaal village to meet the bereaved families affected by the tragic deaths of 16 individuals from three families.

Expressing heartfelt condolences, he assured the families of unwavering support from the district administration during this difficult time.

Pertinently, Cabinet Ministers Sakeena Itoo and Javed Rana had already visited the village immediately after the first two incidents to provide solace and ensure timely action.

Meanwhile, the district administration is actively providing essential supplies, including ration and water, to the affected families and the community.

The Deputy CM said that adequate medical teams are on ground and working tirelessly to address any immediate concerns.

He also informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the police is probing the cause behind these unfortunate deaths. “The Chief Minister is personally monitoring the situation and all efforts are being made to ascertain whether these deaths were due to natural causes or any other reason,” he said. He reassured the public that there is no need to panic, highlighting the government’s commitment towards welfare of every citizen. “We stand firm in ensuring the well-being of our people,” he added.

Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, MLA Budhal, Javed Iqbal Choudhary, ADDC Rajouri, Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa and all district officers accompanied the Deputy CM during his visit to Badhaal village.

Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary Highlights People-Centric Policies at Jatt Sabha Function

Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary

Endorsing people centric policy of present government, Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today said that ensuring appreciable socio economic empowerment coupled with holistic development forms top priority of present dispensation.

The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at a function organised by Jatt Sabha at R.S.Pura here today.

MLA Jammu East, Vikram Randhawa, former Ministers Manjit Singh, Choudhary Sukhanandan, Gharu Ram, DDC member TS Tony and senior office bearers of Jatt Sabha and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

While referring to the people centric initiatives been undertaken, the Deputy Chief Minister said that we are ensuring development on equitable basis without any preferential basis.

“Instructions have already been passed to speed up the developmental initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir. Regular monitoring is also being done so that the pace of work is speeded up on these,” he added

While speaking on the occasion, the members of the Jatt Sabha expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for giving representation to their community.

Later, the Deputy Chief Minister also participated in a function organised by Jatt Sabha in connection with the Lohri celebrations.

While interacting with people there, he exuded hope that lohri would usher peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.