Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, DD, National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today said that the recent emergent situation caused by torrential rains, cloudbursts, flash floods and massive landslides, leading to prolonged closure of the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway, has once again brought to the fore the
proactive role played by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his government.
“At a time when people were staring at despair, Omar Sahib remained at the helm, monitoring the ground situation, galvanizing the administration, and coordinating at all levels to ensure that essential supplies, medical aid and relief measures reached the affected population without delay”, Sadhotra said while reacting to the uncalled for
and unrealistic statement made by AICC General Secretary in-charge J&K, Dr. Syed
Naseer Hussain.
He said that nearly month long massive outreach to the rain hit people has been unprecedented that instilled a sense of confidence and rekindled hope among the sufferers of natural calamity.
Sadhotra said that the Chief Minister’s timely intervention led to freight trains being operated into the Valley to transport fruit, maintain supplies and avert scarcity, while his meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari secured deployment of a central team
to oversee restoration efforts on the national highway. This is the hallmark of responsible and accountable leadership,” he added.
Sadhotra said that the irresponsible statement by the Congress General Secretary appears to overlook these tangible measures that brought relief to the people in an hour of crisis.
“To suggest that elected representatives have abdicated responsibilities is not only misplaced but also unfair. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are witness to the manner in which the National Conference led government has consistently stood by them in testing times, raising their issues at every level, and ensuring that relief and justice are
not denied,” he added.
Sadhotra emphasized that any realistic evaluation of governance in Jammu and Kashmir must also take into account the system forced upon the people by the BJP-led dispensation at the Centre.“By denying restoration of statehood, eroding democratic institutions, and deliberately
disempowering elected representatives, the BJP has created an environment where the voice of the people and their aspirations get overshadowed. To ignore this structural constraint is to paint a distorted picture. Yet, even in these circumstances, the National Conference government has not shied away from its duty and continues to fight for the
rights of the people,” he said.
He reiterated that the National Conference has always taken a principled and consistent
stand, be it restoration of statehood, protection of land and job rights, safeguarding democratic institutions, or resisting authoritarian impositions by the Centre.
“Role of the Omar led government is transparent, accountable, and above all, people- centric. Congress should not see through a myopic prism but they should see holistically,
he said.
Sadhotra underlined that constructive criticism is welcome, but misrepresentation of facts cannot go unchallenged. The people of Jammu and Kashmir know who stood with them in their darkest. National Conference has never betrayed their trust and never will, he added.
“Our larger goal must be restoration of democracy, rights, and dignity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This is the fight that the National Conference is leading with conviction and courage,” he said.DD
