Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Mar 24: Former minister and working president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, Raman Bhalla, on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the administration, accusing it of failing to address the pressing day-to-day issues faced by border dwellers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Accompanied by former minister Yash Pal Kundal and several senior party leaders, Bhalla undertook an extensive tour of Ghagwal, Sanoora and Rajpura areas in Samba district. During the visit, he held detailed interactions with people from different walks of life, including farmers, traders, youth, and women, who apprised him of the hardships they continue to face.
Listening to their grievances, Bhalla expressed serious concern over what he described as the “widening gap” between government claims and ground realities. He remarked that despite tall promises and repeated assurances, the situation in rural and border areas remains largely unchanged.
“The government’s claims of development and problem resolution are confined to official files and press statements. On the ground, people are struggling for basic amenities such as proper roads, drinking water, electricity, healthcare, and employment opportunities,” Bhalla said.
He emphasized that border residents, who already live under constant stress due to proximity to the International Border, are being further neglected. “These people are the first line of defense for the nation, yet their genuine concerns are not being addressed with the urgency they deserve,” he added.
“The continuous hike in petroleum prices has triggered inflation, making essential commodities costlier and putting an unbearable burden on poor and middle-class families,” he said.
During his visit to Rajpura, Bhalla visited the residence of former Sarpanch Jai Ram, where a high-intensity blast had taken place recently. Expressing solidarity with the affected family, he raised serious questions over the security scenario in border areas.
Prominent among those who accompanied Bhalla during the visit included former MLA Durga Dass, Vijay Choudhary, Jatin Vashisht, Vinay Kumar, Block president Mahesh Sharma and others.
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