JKNPP holds protest, claims neglect of Jammu in PM's package

Former minister Harsh Dev Singh and over 100 party workers sat on a dharna

Don't want to miss the best from Business Standard?

The Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) today staged a protest here, alleging the Jammu region has been neglected in the Rs 80,000-crore financial package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to the state.

Led by JKNPP chairman and former minister Harsh Dev Singh, over 100 party workers sat on a dharna at exhibition ground here, alleging neglect of the Jammu region, its traders and the unemployed youth.

Alleging that ministers hailing from Jammu have failed to ensure incorporation of pressing issues of the region in the package announced by Modi in Srinagar early this month, Singh sought its review so as to ensure inclusion of construction of much-needed flyovers in Jammu as well as the much-awaited beautification of the city of temples.

He alleged that repeated announcements of the government to decongest the city by provision of flyovers have fallen flat with no action having been initiated by the government.

Singh said that rising number of new vehicles, besides the additional load that hits the Jammu roads due to darbar move, has intensified the traffic problem in the city, thereby aggravating the woes of common man.

Slamming the government for its "despicable apathy and criminal negligence", he called upon the Jammu-based ministers to assert themselves in the face of growing public concern and resentment and ensure inclusion of flyover projects in the package.

JKNPP called for flyovers from Amphalla to Janipur, Jewal Chowk to Canal road, Balwinder Chowk to Rehari, Panama Chowk to Narwal, and Vikram Chowk to Satwari.

Singh lambasted the BJP leadership for its alleged failure to ensure a provision for compensation to Jammu traders, who had sustained heavy losses during the Amarnath land row. He also sought adequate allocation under the package for vigorous beautification measures for the city so as to attract more tourists.

He regretted that no mention was made of development of Mubark Mandi cable car project, beautification of Ragnunath Bazar and historical temples of Jammu, and beautification of embankments of river Tawi on the pattern of Jehlum in the package.