Khatana slams govt for neglecting Tribals

Bishnah, Jun 15: Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Er. Ghulam Ali Khatana on Sunday accused the Omar Abdullah-led government of systematically sidelining Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in Jammu and Kashmir by failing to implement key welfare legislations introduced after the abrogation of Article 370.
According to a statement, Khatana alleged that landmark Central laws—including the Forest Rights Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act—though extended to Jammu and Kashmir post-2019, remain largely unimplemented on the ground.
“The tribal population continues to live without even the most basic amenities. Their hamlets lack roads, electricity, clean water and healthcare. Funds are being allocated, but there is no accountability. One has to ask—where is the money going?” Khatana questioned.
Khatana further claimed that while the Modi government ensured constitutional rights were extended to all communities after the special status of J&K was revoked, the Omar-led National Conference government failed to follow through. “Is it because these communities supported the abrogation of Article 370? Are they now being punished for their loyalty to the nation?” he asked, calling the situation “deeply discriminatory and politically motivated.”
The BJP MP pointed out that several state and centrally sponsored development schemes have seen progress under the present Lieutenant Governor-led administration, but these initiatives are now allegedly being obstructed or diluted. “Development cannot be selective. Welfare must reach the last person in the line,” he said.
Moreover, Khatana demanded that the J&K government release a White Paper detailing the disbursement and on-ground status of all state and central welfare schemes. “People deserve to know how public money is being spent. Communities that are constitutionally entitled to development cannot be left in the lurch,” he added.
He also used the platform to urge tribal elders and local leaders to act against the growing menace of drug addiction and social decay among youth in marginalized areas. “Social neglect is driving our youth toward dangerous paths. We need collective responsibility to protect the next generation,” he said.
Concluding his address, Khatana appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to intervene if the state administration continues to fail in delivering basic rights and infrastructure to the tribal and backward populations.
“These aren’t favours. Rather, these are rights guaranteed by the Constitution. If the government of the day won’t uphold them, the LG must step in and ensure justice,” he asserted.
Surjeet Singh, General Secretary, Jammu Border; Ajeet Singh, Ex-Sarpanch, Dabber; Bishan Chowdhury, Lal Hussain, Sater Din, Chairman Rajak Ali Putto, Advocate Rayaz Choudhary, Saha Din, Hajur Hussain, Khadim Hussain, Engineer Narinder Mangotra, Sonu Pardhan, and other prominent citizens were present on the occasion.