 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 15: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Provincial President Jammu, Ratan Lal Gupta, on Sunday reiterated the party's demand that the genuine concerns of the people of Katra must be taken into consideration before proceeding with the proposed Katra ropeway project.
Gupta was addressing a mega one-day Youth Convention at Katra, where he was the chief guest. He exhorted the youth to strengthen and carry forward the vision and mission of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, which is firmly rooted in the principles of secularism, welfarism, and inclusive development. Er. Khursheed Ahmad, MLA Gulabgarh, attended the convention as the guest of honour. The Convention was organized by Jugal Kishore Zonal President Udhampur Reasi Zone YNC and Baldev Thappa Vice President Zonal Udhampur Reasi Zone YNC.
In his address, Ratan Lal Gupta expressed serious concern over what he termed the sidelining of legitimate demands of the local population by the SMVD Shrine Board management led by the Lieutenant Governor. He said the proposed alignment of the ropeway threatens the livelihood of thousands of people in Katra, including ponywalas, porters, small shopkeepers and other marginal stakeholders whose survival depends on the movement of pilgrims.
"These people have been an integral part of the pilgrimage ecosystem for centuries. They do not earn millions or build fortunes; they merely make a humble living. Nothing can be worse than having their bread and butter snatched away. The concerned management must rise to the occasion and ensure that the genuine concerns of locals are addressed before moving ahead with the project," Gupta said.
He stressed that development should not come at the cost of livelihoods and urged the authorities to keep channels of communication open with the local population. "The locals must be made stakeholders in every development initiative. Their voices cannot and should not be ignored," he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Er. Khursheed Ahmad, MLA Gulabgarh, said that development in the hilly and remote areas of Jammu has gained unprecedented momentum under the Omar Abdullah-led government. "For the first time, people in far-flung and hilly regions are witnessing tangible development in terms of road connectivity, power supply, healthcare and education. Areas that were neglected for decades are now on the development map, ensuring dignity, opportunities and a better quality of life for the people," he said.
Addressing the gathering, S. Tejinder Pal Singh Aman Provincial President Jammu YNC called upon the NC youth cadre to gear up for the forthcoming Urban Local Body and Panchayat elections whenever they are held. "While opposition parties have nothing concrete to show, they are resorting to confusion and misinformation because they are unnerved by the rapid strides being made by the Omar Abdullah-led government, especially in far-flung areas of Jammu. Our ministers, MLAs and office bearers are actively resolving public grievances. The youth must reach every household and highlight the good work and proven track record of the NC government," he said.
The convention witnessed enthusiastic participation from NC youth workers and party leaders, who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the party at the grassroots level. |
