Promises no further tariff increase
Aaqib Khan
Tangmarg, Aug 25 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday hit out at opposition parties over their criticism of the recent power tariff hike, pointing out that electricity rates had also increased during their tenure.
Addressing a public rally in north Kashmir’s Tangmarg, CM Omar Abdullah as per KNS said, “When these people were in power, they increased electricity rates by 15 per cent four years ago. Today, those who were with the BJP are now making noise.”
He also referred to the PDP-led government, saying, “When Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was the Chief Minister, power tariffs were hiked by 13.5 to 14 per cent. Why were you silent then? Did you not feel injustice was being done to the people?”
The Chief Minister assured the public that his government would not increase electricity rates further. “My complete effort will be that, God willing, during this government, we will not increase electricity rates any more than this,” he said.
CM Omar outlined his administration’s priorities, including providing clean drinking water, repairing schools, deploying doctors in hospitals, road maintenance, and setting up a fruit market.
He also reiterated his government’s commitment to fulfilling all promises made to the people over the next three-and-a-half years. “I say with confidence that after three-and-a-half years, you will find that among all 90 constituencies, Gulmarg-Tangmarg will have progressed the most,” he added.
The Chief Minister expressed regret over the incomplete work on a mini-secretariat in Tangmarg, which was initiated during his previous tenure. “It is because of those who are pointing fingers at us today. They have done nothing new for Tangmarg. They could have completed the work we started,” he said.
CM Omar also announced that work on the mini-secretariat would resume this year and be completed soon. “InshaAllah, we will start work on it this year and hand it over to the people of Tangmarg,” he said. (KNS)
