Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that “No mother will have to look for their children in jails if we are voted to power.

Abdullah while addressing a poll rally at Circuit House in south Kashmir’s Shopian district where will go to polls on May 6, said that people would lose their land and employment if the special status of state was abrogated.

He said that “Elections are generally contested for the development but this time we are fighting them for safeguarding Article 370 and 35 A,” said Abdullah.

Srinagar:CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami Tuesday said business activities and developmental works, including languishing projects and repair of roads, and livelihood issues of people have come to halt in Kashmir. “The Government has not only failed to release the pending payments of contractors, but the closure of the national highway for two days a week has given a blow to the already fragile economy of Kashmir,” he said.

In a statement , Tarigami said, “Normally in April the work on development projects used to be on full swing as the Kashmir witnesses slump in construction activities during winter months due to low temperatures. However, this year situation is totally different as the work on all the important projects has come to halt as the pending bills of the contractors have not been released by the Government. The condition of roads across the Valley is pathetic as macadamazation process has not begun.”

“The economy of Kashmir was already in doldrums since the devastating flood hit the Valley in 2014 and due to the unrest of 2016. While the prevailing uncertain situation in Kashmir continued to break the back of local businesses, implementation of GST in 2017 had a cascading effect on trade and related activities in the state. GST in Kashmir like many other states lacked clarity and hit trade badly,” he said.

“Now the latest decision of the Government to close the national highway for two days a week has dealt another blow to the already feeble economy of Kashmir. The ban has impacted transportation of goods and flow of tourists. Banning the transport for 48 hours in a week will lead to a huge economic loss. Shortage of essential commodities due to highway ban has led to a hike in prices which ultimately will lead to the crisis,” CPI (M) leader added.

Tarigami said, “This ban has added to the trauma of travelers and drivers on Srinagar-Jammu national highway, which remains closed for long periods due to the landslides during rain and snowfall. It is high time that the Government rescinds this ban order as elections in the state are almost over.”

He said, “Besides, under the garb of election code of conduct, the officers in the administration have left the day-to-day problems of people unattended from the last almost two months. Elections are important but the redressal of issues of common people can’t be ignored. Now when the elections are almost over the administration must gear up and solve the problems of common people on priority.”

“The non-payment of wages to daily wagers, casual workers, NREGA workers, contractuals, Anganwadi workers/helpers, ASHAs, CPWs, Mid-Day Meal workers and others is another concern which the government must attend on priority. The livelihood issues of people have been totally ignored. We are concerned over the plight of the working class who is adversely hit by the economic policies pursued by the Modi government which are drastically affecting the workforce in the state and the country,” he added.

Parents, teachers aghast. It is like daily early morning crackdown on kids” 

Srinagar, April 30: Private Schools’ Association of Jammu and Kashmir has strongly protested against the latest government order that has imposed early morning timing for schools, particularly in the city.

The Association said that the latest order directing schools in Srinagar city to operate from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm is a torture for students particularly small kids.

“For kids to reach at 8.30 am to school means that he has to board the bus anywhere between 7.00 am to 7.00 am and wake up and prepare even before that.

Imagine a kid as small as four years old has to go through this torture every day along with his parents,” said G N Var Chairman PSAJK. “Many a time they are asleep in school bus and even in classroom, because they don’t get enough sleep. They can’t concentrate on their studies. Even their health is at risk.”

The Association termed the new timetable similar to daily early morning crackdown on students. “We have been in touch with parents and they say kids have to be dragged out of their beds with heavy heart to reach the school,” said Var.

“Early morning timing can be suitable for hot climate but we are living in temperate region, the officers should understand that.”

The Association said that it is a scientifically proven fact that children tend to be active and fully aware only after 10.00 am and it is the best time to teach them.

The Association said that then time table thrusted on schools will mar the learning ability of students.

“Previously it was agreed with concerned departments that any change in school timing will be after consultation with Private Schools’ Association and parents, but they have unilaterally taken the harsh decision and we strongly protest it,” said Var.

The Association alleged that all this is being done so that few government babus and secretariat employees reach their offices comfortably at their own choice of timing and without having to navigate roads with schools buses.

“In civilised world, students are given preference but here it is the opposite. The government is concerned for their own comfort and not anything else,” said Var.

“We are getting hundreds of messages from worried parents and if government doesn’t change their order we may protest with a joint strategy.”