Jammu, Mar 18: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad said all the 22 districts of Jammu & Kashmir reside in Jammu and the city is facing official neglect.
Speaking at a public gathering organized by the party at Hari Singh Park here, Azad said, “The entire Jammu and Kashmir resides in Jammu. This is not the case even in metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi, where people from 22 districts reside in makeshift homes.” He emphasized the pressing need for essential amenities such as electricity, water, and roads to be prioritized in the region.
Azad outlined his vision for Jammu’s progress. He said, “As soon as the government is formed, we should steer Jammu on the path of development, as I did during my tenure.”
Highlighting the acute water scarcity issue in Jammu, the former chief minister proposed a strategic solution involving the diversion of water from the Chenab River in Akhnoor through a dedicated canal.
“Merely relying on the Tawi River for water supply is insufficient. We need to explore alternative sources to meet the growing demand for water in the city,” he asserted.
The DPAP chief also enumerated his past accomplishments, including the establishment of five medical colleges and the creation of new districts in Jammu and Kashmir. He credited his tenure for initiatives such as the artificial lake project in Jammu and lauded the Prime Minister for major infrastructure projects such as the expansion of highways in the region.
Asserting the importance of active representation in Parliament, Azad called for electing proactive Members of Parliament (MPs) who advocate for their constituents’ interests. He criticized passive parliamentary representatives, saying, “MPs should actively voice the concerns of their constituencies in Parliament. We cannot afford to have mute spectators in the legislative process.”
The public meeting witnessed the presence of senior party leaders and former ministers, including RS Chib, Taj Mohiuddin, GM Saruri, Garu Chaudhary, and General Secretary Heera Lal Abrol. Azad concluded his address with a call for proactive engagement in governance and a commitment to driving Jammu’s development agenda forward. (KNO)
