JEHLUM VALLEY (Kashmir English): Syed Musharraf Javed Gilani of the Public Action Committee accused the ruling class of Jhelum Valley’s underdevelopment, alleging misuse of funds and government neglect while warning of public protests against load-shedding, today.
Syed Musharraf Javed Gilani, a member of the Public Action Committee Jhelum Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), has held the ruling elite responsible for the region’s underdevelopment. He criticised political figures who, instead of resolving public issues, have exacerbated them for personal and political gain.
Speaking on the matter, Gilani accused those in power of misusing development funds. He claimed that instead of being allocated for essential public projects, these funds were distributed as political bribes. He further alleged that local government institutions were deliberately rendered inactive, allowing funds worth millions to be used at the discretion of a select few.
He expressed disappointment in the current government and assembly members, stating that they have shown no real concern for the problems faced by the people. “They are neither interested in working for public welfare nor willing to address the grievances of the citizens,” he said. He further criticised their “hypocritical role” in movements for public rights, claiming that their insincerity has become evident to all.
To counter this negligence, Gilani announced the formation of grassroots-level public action committees across Jhelum Valley, particularly in Constituency 7. He stated that union councils and wards would soon have their active committees, consisting of dedicated individuals who would work towards addressing the issues of the people.
One of the most pressing problems, he pointed out, is the prolonged and severe load-shedding affecting the residents of Jhelum Valley. He urged the relevant organizations to act right now to lessen this suffering. He warned that if nothing is done, the public will be forced to encircle and demonstrate at grid stations, and the government will be held accountable for the ensuing fallout.
Gilani asked the people of Jhelum Valley to band together and actively participate in demanding their rights as their dissatisfaction with government shortcomings and deteriorating living conditions developed.
