DODA: Terming District Development Board (DDM) meeting an attempt to hoodwink the masses in the name of development, a complete Doda Bandh with a strong protest was held at District Headquarters Doda.
The Bandh call was given by a Doda based movement named as Doda Awake which was later on supported by various political and other groups including National Conference, Congress, Beopar Mandal and other organisations of the Doda.
Earlier in the morning scores of people including youth and some political leaders assembled at Doda Old Bus Stand and thereafter in strong procession which was led by Advocate Hassan Babar marched through the entire town shouting anti Govt and anti administration slogans over step motherly treatment with the people of Doda District in the name of development.
Amid tight security the protestors managed to holding strong protest outside the District Development Commissioner Office Doda where Distt Development Board meeting was going to be held. The board meeting in Doda was chaired by Sajjad Gani Lone, Minister for Social Welfare.
Speaking on the occasion, speakers lambasted the anti Govt policies and alleged that the State Govt has failed in mitigating the problems being faced by the people of this region. The protestors castigated the State Govt and Distt administration for befooling the people of this region in the name of development.
The protestors said that there is very poor road connectivity in the Distt and Doda Batote National Highway is in bad shape adding that due to the worst condition of the roads scores of precious lives were lost and govt and administration is silent over these issues.
The main demands which were highlighted in the protest was immediate modification of Doda Kishtwar Batote National Highway, better health care facilities in the District Hospital with adjustment of all vacant posts, starting of PG classes in Doda, improvement in education system, providing adequate ration in the Distt etc.
During the protest outside the DDC Office, traffic movement was off the road for several hours with all business establishments remaining closed besides very thin attendance was seen in the Govt departments.
As the Chairman Distt Development Board meeting Sajad Gani Lone was about to reach the meeting venue, the angry protestors raised anti Govt, anti Lone slogans.
The protestors served an ultimatum to the State that in case they failed to solve these public issues with in a stipulated time, then the youth would again come on roads for which the Govt and administration shall be responsible.
Those who addressed the gathering includes Advocate Hasan Babar, Distt Youth President Congress Waseem Raja, President Beopar Mandal Karamtullah Nehru, Distt Youth President NC Syed Naveed Hashmi, Ishtiaq Ahmed Dev and Sr Leaders Doda Development Front Gh Hassan Pampori.