KISHTWAR, Aug 4: Senior National Conference leader and Chenab Valley spokesperson Ajeet Bhagat on Tuesday alleged that Leader of Opposition and Paddar Constituency MLA Sunil Sharma has failed to effectively represent the concerns of the people and address their long-pending issues.
In a statement, Bhagat said that the people had elected Sharma with high expectations, hoping he would raise their genuine demands in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. However, he claimed that the MLA had failed to highlight public grievances and instead remained focused on political interests.
Bhagat contrasted Sharma’s performance with that of Rajya Sabha MP Sajjad Kichloo, stating that the latter had raised several important issues concerning Kishtwar district in Parliament soon after assuming office.
According to Bhagat, Kichloo highlighted concerns related to hydropower projects in the district, including the alleged non-implementation of commitments made to landowners whose land had been acquired, lack of employment opportunities for local youth, registration of FIRs against those demanding their rights, and alleged non-payment of due wages to workers employed in the projects.
Bhagat also expressed concern over the environmental impact of hydropower projects, alleging that project authorities were dumping excavated soil and waste directly into rivers, causing ecological damage and affecting the river ecosystem.
He urged the Leader of Opposition to take up these issues with the government and work towards safeguarding the rights of the people of Kishtwar district. Bhagat said it was the responsibility of elected representatives to ensure justice for affected residents, seek employment opportunities for locals, and prevent environmental degradation in the region.