Govt failed to safeguard rights of border dwellers, weaker sections: NC

Samba, July 10: “The present dispensation has completely failed to safeguard the rights and interests of the border dwellers and other vulnerable sections of the society. Despite numerous promises and assurances, there has been no substantial action to address the systemic issues and injustices faced by these communities,” said Vijay Lochan, Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Scheduled Castes (SC) Cell.
He was addressing a meeting at the Ramgarh area of district Samba, which was chaired by Ashok Attri, Vice President of Central Zone, Jammu, Samba and Kathua.
Attri highlighted the problems faced by people of border areas due to the non-availability of basic amenities, unemployment, irregular power and water supply, lack of health care facilities including a shortage of staff in schools and healthcare centres and deplorable conditions of roads.
Vijay Lochan, the chief guest, accused the present government of neglecting the border belt of the Jammu region, particularly the Samba district. He expressed great anguish over the unfulfilled promises made to border dwellers, such as providing 5 marla plots at safer locations and recruitment rallies in the border areas.
“The border people are always the frontline warriors, similar to the armed forces vigilantly guarding the borders. Despite their crucial role, they have been consistently ignored under the current regime,” he said.
Lochan expressed resentment against the Central government headed by BJP for its “failure” to provide comprehensive compensation to the West Pakistani Refugees, despite assurances given by the then Home Minister in 2018. He urged the Central government to pay pending compensation to these refugees in one go, saying they are facing huge hardships since their migration in 1947.
The NC leader asked the party workers to gear up for the upcoming assembly elections and reach out to the people in their respective areas.
Jagga Ram Provincial Vice President SC Cell asserted that NC has always remained committed to protecting the rights of SC/ ST and weaker sections of the society in the past and shall continue to do the same in future too.
Rakesh Singh Raka, Vice President of Central Zone, JKNC, raised serious concern over the pressing issues faced by farmers of border areas and the Kandi belt of Samba due to non-availability of irrigation water. He highlighted the severe impact this has on agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of farmers.
Addressing the gathering, Satpal Block President and Member MC Ramgarh criticised the government for not ensuring a fair Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, which leaves farmers financially vulnerable. He called for immediate measures to resolve the irrigation water crisis and to implement a fair MSP policy, emphasizing the need to support the farming community, which forms the backbone of the region’s economy.