PDP-BJP alliance is discriminating with Jammu region: JKNPP

Jammu and Kashmir National Pathers Party today alleged discrimination against Jammu region by the ruling BJP-PDP alliance over reported shifting of Rs 1,600 crore AIIMS project, meant for Jammu, to Kashmir Valley.
The ruling alliance is perpetuating discrimination against Jammu region and the BJP in particular has surrendered to the whims of its coalition partner PDP for petty political gains, JKNPP state president Balwant Singh Mankotia said.
He said that the BJP which had climbed the ladder of power on the slogan of "Empowerment of Jammu" and gave the biggest shocker to Jammuites by surrendering the most prestigious Rs 1,600 crore AIIMS project to Kashmir despite the same having been sanctioned for Jammu.

The party also held an anti-government rally in Ramban district over the issue.
Led by Mankotia, over 200 workers took out the anti- government rally from bus stand in Ramban and passed through several markets and roads and finally culminated at the Deputy Commissioner's office.
Raising anti-government and anti-BJP slogans, protesters staged a day long sit-in and held protest demonstrations against the failure of the Central government to deny Jammu an AIIMS.

He reminded the BJP of the statements made by two Union ministers, including Arun Jaitley, in New Delhi on February 28, this year categorically announcing the establishment of the said institute in Jammu.

Balwant revealed that Kashmir already has a super- speciality institute named SKIMS in Soura which is well-equipped with advanced technology capable of providing specialised treatment for all kinds of ailments.
Further, he said, the chief minister had recently announced an additional Rs 150 crore for up-gradation of cancer institute in SKIMS.
"Despite that the BJP leadership failed to seek the establishment of AIIMS in Jammu and allowed its shifting to Kashmir thus administering the most obnoxious doze of discrimination to Jammu region," he added.