Bandipora, Feb 07: Political and social activist Hamida Jan on Saturday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government’s budget, saying it offers little relief to the common people and ignores long-pending demands of districts like Bandipora.
Speaking to the media in Bandipora, Jan said the budget failed to address core issues of education, health, and infrastructure. “This budget looks good on paper, but on the ground there is nothing substantial for the common man of Kashmir, especially for backward districts like Bandipora,” she said.
She urged Bandipora’s MLAs to raise strong demands in the Assembly for establishing a law college, a medical college and a women’s college in the district. “Our students are forced to migrate to other districts for higher education. Bandipora deserves its own institutions,” Jan said.
Highlighting infrastructure gaps, she added that while other districts are demanding rail connectivity, Bandipora is still struggling for basic road development. “It is unfortunate that even today Bandipora does not have national highway status.
Poor connectivity continues to affect trade, healthcare access and employment,” she said.
She also called on the National Conference to pass a resolution seeking the release of legislator Mehraj Malik. “In the history of Jammu and Kashmir, this is the first time a legislator has been booked for raising the voice of the people. This sets a dangerous precedent for democracy,” she added.
She appealed to elected representatives to prioritise people’s issues over politics.
