AKHNOOR, Sep 5: Working President of J&K Congress and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Tara Chand today launched a strong appeal for the restoration of the Statehood of Jammu and Kashmir with constitutional safeguards, protection of land and employment rights of local people, and immediate measures to tackle the growing unemployment crisis.
He was addressing a Jan Samvad programme at Village Bandwal in the Jourian area of Akhnoor Assembly constituency, where he interacted with local residents, listened to their grievances and discussed issues affecting farmers, youth, workers and the rural population.
Speaking on the constitutional and political status of Jammu and Kashmir, Tara Chand said that restoration of Statehood must not be delayed any further and should come with effective constitutional guarantees to protect the interests of the people of J&K.
He asserted that the land and employment opportunities of Jammu and Kashmir must remain protected. The people of Jammu and Kashmir must have the first right over their land and employment opportunities. Statehood should be restored at the earliest, along with constitutional guarantees that safeguard the rights and interests of the people of J&K,” Tara Chand said.
Expressing serious concern over the continuously rising unemployment among educated youth, Tara Chand said that thousands of qualified young people are struggling to find employment despite spending years pursuing education. He said the government cannot remain a silent spectator while the future of an entire generation is being affected by unemployment. Our educated children are wandering in search of employment. They have degrees and qualifications but no opportunities. The government must introduce a Special Employment Package for educated unemployed youth and provide special allowances to those who are waiting for employment,” he demanded.
Former Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand expressed grave concern over the loss of fertile agricultural land and said that farmers in the affected areas were facing an increasingly serious threat to their livelihood.
He demanded immediate intervention by the government and administration and called for the construction of strong protective walls and permanent bunds along vulnerable stretches of the Chenab. Farmers cannot be left helpless while their fertile land is being swallowed by the Chenab.
The administration must immediately identify vulnerable areas and begin construction of protective bunds and walls. Those who have already suffered losses must also receive proper and timely compensation,” he said.
Tara Chand assured the villagers that he would raise the issue at the appropriate level and continue to press the government until effective protective measures are implemented.
Tara Chand also strongly criticised the delay in addressing the poor condition of the Jourian-Pallanwala road, saying that residents have been facing immense inconvenience because of the deteriorating road infrastructure.
He recalled that several important development works had been initiated during his tenure, including the construction of the road up to Jourian in the first phase, work on the bridge over Jourian Nallah and widening of Khour market.
Some works remained incomplete after our government left office. But it is extremely unfortunate that almost 12 years have passed and the people are still waiting for the completion of these basic development works. The government must stop delaying the matter and immediately take up the Jourian-Pallanwala road on priority,” he said.
He added that proper road connectivity is essential for the economic development of rural areas and for providing people with better access to education, healthcare, markets and employment.
Tara Chand also strongly raised the issue of regularisation of daily-wage workers, stating that these workers have been waiting for years for justice and job security. He said that promises were made to daily wagers during the elections, but after the elections, their genuine demands have allegedly not received adequate attention. Daily wagers have served the government for years. They were given assurances before the elections, but now their genuine concerns are being ignored. This cannot continue. The government must fulfil its commitments and formulate a clear and time-bound policy for their regularisation,” he said.
He maintained that workers who have devoted years of their lives to government departments and public institutions deserve dignity, job security and a fair resolution of their longstanding demands.
Tara Chand said that the Congress party would continue to remain connected with the people at the grassroots level and would raise every genuine issue concerning Jammu and Kashmir. He appealed to Congress workers to remain among the people, visit villages, listen to their grievances and stand with them during difficult times. He also appealed to the people of Akhnoor to support the Congress party in the forthcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections, saying that strong grassroots representation is essential for addressing local problems effectively.
Senior Party leaders Narinder Sharma PCC General Secretary, Master Rashpal, Captain Kalidass, Madan Lal Sharma, Somraj Sharma, KK Bhagat, Bittu Chib, Bodhraj Sharma, Sham Lal, Rohit kumar, Saidass and others were also present on the occasion.