“The land belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but retired officers from outside are using influence to buy property here. This needs investigation.”
By: Tassaduq Rashid
Srinagar, Nov 9 (KNS): Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Choudhary Singh on Saturday said that If BJP would have been sincere in welfare of J&K, they would have asked in Assembly why Industrial units of locals in Jammu were shut and outsiders were alloted in industrial policy.
" Why all minerals of Ravi River are going to punjab, why there is unemployment, why there is sand mafia looting streams of Kashmir. Why hike in prises of land. What outsiders are given employment here," he said in an exclusive interview with KNS.
The Deputy CM was vocal on the issue of employment, highlighting the frustration among local youth due to the recruitment of candidates from other states over local talent.
He pointed to a recent case in the health department, saying, “A boy from UP was appointed as demonstrator that could have gone to a local. This trend is unfair to our youth who are already struggling with unemployment.” He stressed that job opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir should first benefit the local population.
Singh also raised serious concerns about land ownership, criticizing policies that allow people from other states, including retired government officers, to purchase land in Jammu and Kashmir. “The land is the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he asserted. “But now, retired officers from outside the state are buying property here, sometimes using their influence.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThis needs investigation. An IPS officer of outside who was boosting about his integrity bought land here using influence. That needs investigation.”
Discussing development, Singh questioned the effectiveness of projects like the “smart city” initiatives in Jammu and Srinagar. “There has been no real benefit to the people from these projects,” he argued. “Our roads, our electricity, and water supply are still lacking, and these are the issues that need attention.”
Singh emphasized his stance on accountability and transparency. “There is zero tolerance on corruption,” he said firmly. “Public funds must be used responsibly, and we are committed to ensuring that there will be no compromise on quality in our projects. Those contractors who got benefitted illegally would get a single penny. It will be investigated.”
He also made a powerful call for the central government to fulfill its promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
“The promise of statehood was made by Home Minister and Prime Minister of India and they assured us this would happen after the elections,” Singh stated, underscoring the urgency of this issue for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “This is our right, and we expect that the central government will honor its word.”
Singh expressed his commitment to serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. (KNS).