Only elected govt can effectively address people’s issues: NC

Srinagar, Aug 13: Jammu and Kashmir Youth National Conference Provincial President Kashmir Salman Ali Sagar on Tuesday said only an elected government can effectively address the current challenges faced by the people of Kashmir.
He said this while addressing the provincial body meeting of Youth National Conference Kashmir province, held today at the party headquarters here. The meeting was presided over by Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani and Convened by the Provincial President YNC Salman Ali Sagar, the party said in a statement, adding that District President Srinagar Peer Afaq Ahmed was also present.
“During the meeting, the current political situation, administrative issues, problems and difficulties faced by the people, especially the challenges faced by the youth were discussed,” the statement said. “All the participants presented their opinions and said the anti-youth policies of the incumbent LG administration have reached a crescendo.”
Addressing the meeting, Nasir said, “The role of youth is very important for building a better society and future. The energy and enthusiasm of young people can bring about significant social change. They are often at the forefront of movements advocating for human rights, environmental sustainability, and political reform, which are important for a better society.”
“Unfortunately, Kashmiri youth are facing the toughest challenges. The sufferings, difficulties and challenges that the people, including the youth, are currently facing can only be addressed by a popularly elected government,” he added.
In his address, Salman said the LG’s claims regarding the electricity situation are contradicted by the exorbitant power hikes and prolonged power outages being experienced by the people.
Rejecting LG’s assertion that the people of J&K are receiving the cheapest power and have not experienced any power hikes in the past three years, Sagar said the ground reality paints a different picture.
“The big claims of the J&K administration, now under direct central government control since its reclassification from a state to a Union Territory on August 5, 2019, have proven to be empty.”
“Currently, the demand for electricity in Jammu and Kashmir stands at 2800 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA), while the supply is only reaching around 1800 MVA. This shortfall has resulted in extensive power cuts, impacting not only electricity but also water supply. The promise of 24-hour electricity by the government is now being exposed as a hollow one,” he said.
The YNC leader added, “In the last six months, electricity bills have skyrocketed from Rs 500 to Rs 1800, a threefold increase. Despite the installation of smart meters by the KPDCL, the department is failing to accurately monitor power consumption, opting for a one-size-fits-all approach instead. Meanwhile, the LG continues to boast about ensuring adequate power supply to the people.”