Jammu, Aug 23: Jammu and Kashmir Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Saturday accused the Union Territory government of failing on issues of unemployment, grassroots democracy and corruption, saying his party would raise people’s concerns in the upcoming Assembly session.
Addressing a BJP meeting attended by senior party leaders and office-bearers from across Jammu and Kashmir, Sharma said the meeting would discuss the party’s future strategy, organisational activities and issues concerning the people.
He alleged that the J-K government had “made fun” of unemployed youth by providing jobs to its relatives and workers through outsourcing.
Sharma also accused the government of trying to weaken grassroots democracy by delaying elections to Panchayati Raj institutions and alleged that corruption was on the rise.
“The government has increased electricity tariffs on the poor,” he said, adding that the BJP would raise these issues and seek accountability from the government.
He said the BJP would hold a “secretariat gherao” on September 2 over various issues and claimed the protest would be aimed at “waking up” the government to fulfil its promises to the people.
On the long-pending demand of Special Police Officers (SPOs), Sharma said their honorarium would be increased soon and claimed that the required rules and formalities had been completed.
“Very soon, the Ministry of Home Affairs will issue an order in their favour. You will see that the long-awaited demand of the SPOs of Jammu and Kashmir will be fulfilled,” he said.
Reacting to the killing of a 14-year-old girl, allegedly by a teacher, Sharma expressed outrage and demanded stringent punishment for those responsible.
“This is an unbearable incident. The SIT constituted by Jammu and Kashmir Police to investigate the incident will not spare anyone,” he said, adding that those found guilty should be given the harshest punishment.
Sharma said the BJP condemned the incident and would continue to stand with the victim’s family in their pursuit of justice.
He said the party’s meeting was also aimed at finalising its strategy for Jammu and Kashmir and preparing for discussions on public issues during the forthcoming Assembly session.(KNS).
