Observing that the people were real fountain head of power in a democratic polity, Provincial President Mr Devender Singh Rana today said that history stands testimony to the path breaking role of National Conference in bestowing this right to marginalized population of Jammu and Kashmir after braving many challenges.
“With such a political upbringing, it will be the people of Jammu and Kashmir alone who will shape their destiny in the robust democratic setup of India”, Mr Rana said while addressing a workers meeting along with former minister Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra and other senior leaders here, at the first leg of two day tour of Rajouri district.
The workers meeting had been convened by former MLA and senior leader Th Rachpal Singh.
Mr Rana described National Conference as a force to reckon with and a mass movement that has been in the forefront to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of religion and region. “It is the party of poor, peasants, working class, marginalized segments of society that has flourished as a big Carvaan over the decades to steer J&K to peace, progress and prosperity”, he said adding that the party will continue to play its historic role in meeting the challenges.
Referring to large presence of youth in the meeting, he expressed concern over bleak prospect for unemployed educated due to ambiguity on the recruitment process and lackadaisical approach of the designated agencies in filling up of vacancies in almost all the government departments.
“On the one hand unemployment is attaining alarming proportions and on the other hand the administration is showing least interest in taking plausible measures to address the burgeoning problem, resulting in despodency among the youth”, Mr Rana said while addressing party functionaries and workers here this afternoon.
He said the apprehensions of losing jobs to outsiders without any concrete assurances coming from the government has aggravated the worries of youth, who foresee their future in complete jeopardy. This phenomenon can further retard the dash and drive among the youth who are already feeling marginalized and disempowered, he said, adding that this worrisome situation is needed to be reversed by instilling a sense of confidence among unemployed by giving a huge push to recruitment process on fast track basis and in a time bound manner.
The Provincial President also expressed anguish over miserable plight of the border dwellers, saying they are facing brunt of shelling on almost daily basis. He expressed solidarity with the families of two porters in Poonch areas who lost their lives along forward areas last evening and said such incidents leave devastating impact on the residents. They are to be protected and taken well care of in such exigencies in terms of safe shelter places and dependable sustenance, he said while noting with concern economic activity coming to standstill in vulnerable areas and academics of children taking the toll.
The Provincial President sought completion of bunkers on war footing keeping in view growing incidents of ceasefire violations and special recruitment drives for the border yoth This is the least the administration should do to address to the concerns in the border areas .
Addressing the gathering, former minister Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra said National Conference does not only represent the glorious ethos of unity in diversity but reflects the urges and aspirations of the people
While dwelling upon the prevailing scenario, Mr Sadhotra exhorted the National Conference cadre to shoulder their crucial responsibilities toward people and remain in the forefront to meet challenges. He said National Conference has a chequered history of public service and it’s role in upholding the dignity and identity of the people, irrespective of religion and region cannot be ignored or undermined.
“This spirit is not only to be sustained but promoted as well by strengthening the bonds of amity and brotherhood”, Mr Sadhotra added.
Addressing the gathering, former MLA and senior National Conference leader Th Rachpal Singh recalled the great contribution of the party in keeping the flame of amity, brotherhood and unity aloft during most testing times.
He listed various pressing issues of the area, particularly growing unemployment and miseries being confronted by the border people, saying these are required to be addressed on priority. He urged the cadre to reach out to the people and help seeking redressal of their problems at appropriate levels.
Former MLC and senior leader Mr Rattan Lal Gupta and Provincial President Youth National Conference Mr Ajaz Jan also addressed the workers
While Mr Gupta underscored the need for strengthening rural infrastructure, especially utility services like power and drinking water facilities in view ongoing winter months, Mr Ajaz Jan called for a special package for the youth in terms of employment and employability. They said National Conference will highlight issues of public importance at every forum in a bid to get problems of the people solved.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Mr Anil Dhar, Choudhury Haroon, Mr Pradeep Bali, Mr Muzaffar Khan and senior National Conference functionaries of the area.