NC using statehood for political mileage: Khatana

Pattan, Jun 4: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana on Thursday termed the National Conference’s proposed protest for restoration of statehood to J&K as a “political stunt”
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Pattan village in north Kashmir, Khatana, said, “The National Conference had relied on political theatrics during the Assembly election campaign and was now attempting to divert attention from what he described as its failure to fulfil promises made to the people.”
“The National Conference was high on dramas during the election campaign and made tall promises to the people. They cannot give statehood. It is the Centre that has to restore statehood and both the Prime Minister and Home Minister have already made their position clear on the issue,” he said.
BJP MP alleged that the ruling party secured electoral support through political rhetoric but had failed to address key public concerns during its nearly two years in office.
“It has been close to two years and people are not happy with the promises made in the party’s manifesto. The situation in education and healthcare sectors remains unsatisfactory,” he said.
Khatana claimed that several schools continue to face an acute shortage of teaching staff, with some institutions functioning with only one or two teachers despite having hundreds of students. He also alleged that many hospitals are struggling due to a shortage of doctors and cited Banihal as an example.
He claimed that dissatisfaction existed within the ruling party itself and said even some of its legislators were unhappy with the leadership. “The Omar Abdullah-led government has left people on God’s mercy and failed to address their day-to-day issues,” he alleged.
Highlighting the role of youth, Khatana said young people in Jammu and Kashmir were increasingly focusing on education, sports, entrepreneurship and social reform initiatives.
“The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are taking the lead in sports, startups and the fight against drugs. They are moving towards development, peace and progress and turning away from those who used them for vested interests over the past several decades,” he said.
The BJP MP also praised the efforts of security forces, saying their coordinated work alongside the public had helped improve the overall situation in the region.
“Our security forces deserve appreciation for their role in bringing peace and stability. Through coordinated efforts with the people, they have helped Jammu and Kashmir move away from stone pelting, bloodshed and mourning towards an atmosphere of peace and development,” he said. (KNO)