MLA Parra slams govt for cancelling 1.27 lakh ration cards in J&K

Srinagar, Dec 19: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed Ur Rehman Parra on Thursday questioned the Omar Abdullah-led government over the cancellation of 1.27 lakh ration cards in Jammu and Kashmir.
Calling the decision arbitrary and unjust, Parra in a statement said it had deprived lakhs of people of their basic right to food, especially those who had been receiving additional rations under the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme (MMSFES).
“The government must answer on what grounds these ration cards have been cancelled. Were proper surveys conducted, or is this yet another attempt to strip vulnerable families of their basic entitlements? The silence of the government on this critical issue is unacceptable,” he said.
The PDP leader added, “Lakhs of people had benefited from the additional ration under the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme, which was introduced to fight hunger and ensure that no family in Jammu & Kashmir went to bed hungry. However, the current government’s silence on this critical issue, despite big claims of increased ration quantities in their manifesto, is shocking and indicative of a tactical understanding. The government’s actions contradict their promises and leave vulnerable families in a state of uncertainty.”
Parra accused the Omar-led government of failing to protect food security while focusing on counterproductive policies and other measures that impacted dignity, identity and resources. “Instead of ensuring food and basic support for those in need, this government has resorted to stripping them of their rights. Is this the kind of governance they promised—one that thrives on taking away entitlements? Such decisions deepen the suffering of the already marginalised,” he said.
Urging Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene, Parra said, “The government should be clear and dedicated to serving the people, not oppressing them. These moves reflect a governance model that prioritises power over public welfare. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve better.”
He said such decisions would only worsen inflation, unemployment, and food insecurity. “At a time when people are already struggling, such policies are adding insult to injury. The government must immediately reverse this decision and reinstate the ration cards to protect the dignity and rights of the affected families,” he demanded.
Parra urged the chief minister to personally intervene in the matter. “I urge the Chief Minister to ensure that our basic entitlements are not diluted nor snatched,” he said.