Shah Nawaz Choudhary organizes mammoth public gathering at Surankote

People across J&K discontented, disenchanted under incumbent govt: Karra

BJP govt unnecessarily putting people in hardships: Bhalla

SURANKOTE, October 28: Congress Working Committee member, Tariq Hameed Karra and JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla on Saturday addressed mammoth public gathering at Surankote organized by JKPCC Vice President and DDC member Shah Nawaz Choudhary . Prominent among those present on the occasion include District Poonch President Rajinder Singh Kaka, Dr Jahanzaib Sirwal, Bilal Rashid, Fiaz Diwan,  Ch Mumtaz, Arif Kazmi, Tahir Mirza, Ch Naiz, Haji Javed , Waheed Shah, Mukadam Akram, Mula Khadam, Mohd Rashid , Madasar Choudhary, Asif Bajjar, Sikander Hayat, Ajaz Chouhan besides others.

Speaking on the occasion,  Karra said that the process of systematic disempowering one region in Jammu and Kashmir goes on.He expressed that the level of disappointment among the residents of Jammu and Kashmir with the current LG administration has reached unprecedented heights. Calling out the policies of the incumbent government, he said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is different now, people are unhappy and disappointed in every region, youth are angry, chaos is everywhere, inflation is touching new heights. “On the other hand, LG claims that 80 percent people are happy with him and they do not want assembly elections to be held.” He expressed his dissatisfaction with the current work culture in District Poonch, stating that the district’s rank on the Good Governance Index reflects the lack of accountability among government officers. He emphasized that without fixing accountability; the working culture cannot be improved, and urged for measures to address this issue.

Addressing the gathering, Karra said, “unemployment has broken all records. One day the recruitment process takes place, the second day it is cancelled and the third day the inquiry is started. People have been left to fend for themselves with skyrocketing prices of edibles, gas, and other essential items. Electricity meters are also a strange spectacle, first digital meters were installed and it was said that nothing better could be done than this and now smart meters are being installed. The condition of ration is also very different. During our times, 11 kg ration was provided per person and an additional quota was provided at 15 rupees per kg, but now it is difficult to get 5 kg and an additional quota has been kept, but its price has been kept at 25 rupees per kg. It is higher than the market prices.” He highlighted concerns regarding governance, accountability, public services, and infrastructure development in the district.

I assure you that Congress will ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir receive their rightful entitlements and everything necessary for sustained peace, enduring prosperity, and equitable development in this region.” Expressing deep concern over the prevailing drug menace, he urged people to play their part in eradicating this social evil. He stated, “We have lost countless young individuals to violence and conflict over the past three decades, and now many from our new generation are falling victim to drugs. We cannot afford further devastation and casualties. Our youth are our future, thus, it is our individual and collective responsibility to eradicate the growing drug abuse in our society.”

 Bhalla in his address highlighted the prevailing challenges in different government departments, leading to inadequate services for the people in whole of Poonch District particularly Surankote. He requested the District Commissioner to hold all officers accountable for their responsibilities in implementing various public-related schemes. Bhalla raised serious concerns about the dilapidated condition of roads, failures in water supply schemes, frequent power outages, and the lack of adequate healthcare facilities. He also raised concern over the failure of the government to provide regular water supply to the people of Poonch, specifically in Surankote.He also highlighted the sub-standard quality of roads constructed in villages. Additionally, he also emphasized the urgent need to address the rising drug menace in the district, calling for effective measures to control and combat this issue.

Bhalla said that on the name of modernization government is unnecessarily putting people in problem. “We are not against taking new steps for social reforms but those should only be taken after ground is ready and all preparations are finalised” he said.He further took a dig on health sector and alleged that all the health institutions of Poonch district are under shortage or manpower and resources with concerned in government hardly bothering.Bhalla urged the Central Government not to deprive J&K people of their constitutional right to choose their own representatives for governing the region. Reiterating his demand for immediate assembly polls in J&K, he pledged that if Congress receives a public mandate, it will deliver pro-people and transparent governance to the people here.  

Bhalla said Congress is committed to guiding people towards a future marked by peace, prosperity, and development. He asserted, “Our agenda is clear and straightforward. We aspire for peace, prosperity, and development in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that its residents attain economic and political empowerment. We do not believe in deceptive political slogans, as we do not believe in a politics of falsehoods and empty promises. Our commitment is to maintain honesty with our people. We will always tell the truth, even if it’s bitter and even if being truthful doesn’t yield us political dividends.”Our youth deserve a better life and a secure future. Congress is committed to do everything necessary for a brighter future for the youth of J&K.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shah Nawaz Choudhary advised people not to allow traditional political parties and their leaders to fool them through emotional sloganeering, deceptive narratives, and fake promises. He said, “In our ongoing public outreach campaign across Jammu and Kashmir, we organise public rallies and conventions to raise awareness and remind people of how traditional parties and their leaders have been deceiving them by setting unattainable goals. They have been doing this with the intention of using common people as cannon fodder to achieve riches and power for themselves.” He exhorted upon party workers to work hard for strengthening the party at grass root level and predicted that Congress will form next Government in Jammu Kashmir.

(NOTE: PRESS RELEASE PUBLISHED AS RECEIVED)