Jammu: A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Jammu District Urban, led by District President Jammu, Chander Mohan Sharma, today called on Party President Dr Farooq Abdullah at his residence in Jammu.
During the meeting, the delegation apprised the party president of various long-pending public issues that had accumulated over the past decade, which they attributed to the misrule of the BJP. The delegation also appreciated the corrective and developmental measures initiated by the Omar Abdullah–led government to reverse the setbacks suffered by Jammu city over the last ten years.
The delegation discussed organisational and party matters with Dr. Abdullah, who assured them that the National Conference is fully cognisant of the hardships and challenges faced by the people during years of undemocratic governance. He said the Omar Abdullah–led government is making rapid strides to restore people’s faith in democratic institutions.
Dr Farooq Abdullah said that the elected government has not only restored public confidence in democratic processes but has also opened the corridors of power to the common people.
He added that Jammu, which had received only hollow promises in the past, is now steadily moving towards inclusive and sustainable development.
Referring to the much-publicised Smart City project, Dr Abdullah remarked that a few days of rain and waterlogging had exposed the hollow claims surrounding it. “The true measure of a smart city lies in the civic amenities it provides to ensure ease of living for its residents. Unfortunately, despite the pomp and show, there were no meaningful additions to urban infrastructure, protection of heritage, or support for traders, the urban poor, women, or tourism,” he said.
Highlighting the initiatives of the Omar Abdullah–led government, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that concrete steps are being taken for the protection and restoration of the Mubarak Mandi heritage complex, which suffered prolonged neglect. He noted that free transport facilities for women have enhanced their mobility, the additional ration quota has eased the burden on poor families, and the restoration of the Darbar Move has revived economic activity and brought smiles to the faces of Jammu’s traders.
He further said that ongoing and upcoming projects such as ropeways, riverside development, lake creation in Jammu city, and other initiatives will place Jammu firmly on the tourism map of the country. “This developmental momentum will continue over the next four years, and our government will fulfil all its commitments to make Jammu a citizen-friendly and vibrant tourist destination,” he asserted.
Dr Abdullah urged the delegation to gear up for the forthcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections and to strengthen the party’s public outreach. He emphasised that special representation will be given to youth, particularly women, to ensure that policies and governance are aligned with their aspirations and needs.
Those present at the meeting included Ashok Kumar Dogra, Satpal Karlopia, Subash Bhagat (former Corporators), Rachpal Singh, Swaran Singh (Vice Presidents, District Jammu Urban), S. Gurnam Singh (Block President, Jammu North), Devinder Sharma (Block President, Jammu West), Sewak Singh, Harcharan Singh, Rajinder Kumar, Raman Sharma, Kewal Kumar Sharma, Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Nasir Choudhary, and others.