STATE TIMES NEWS
BASOHLI: In absence of popular government, the general public of Jammu and Kashmir has become so much restless that even a day is not passed when the Jammu region doesn’t witness a protest or demonstration against the anti-people policies of the government.
This was stated by Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President National Conference while observing condition of people residing in remote and hilly areas of Kathua district. Rattan Lal Gupta visited Basohli as a part of his mass conduct programmes in Kathua district to take first hand appraisal of problems and development needs of the people.
In Basohli, the senior NC leader observed that tourist destinations like Setu Bridge, Ranjit Sagar Dam and many others across the Kathua district have immense potential of boosting J&K’s economy but due to hollow policies of present government this area has not developed. He asserted that if these unique tourist destinations are developed properly they can match any popular tourist destination in the country.
Raising serious concern over the dying art of Basohli Paintings, the senior NC leader said that this ancient art is dying by the day due to official apathy. He said that it is a matter of pride that Basohli paintings represent an inseparable part of the identity of Jammu region across the globe but the successive regime has miserably failed to pay attention to promote over 800-year-old Basholi art.
“The main issue raised by the cross section of people in this Assembly segment is that though Basohli is known world over for its Pashmina Shawls from centuries together, no headway has been made till date for the promotion of the same. Despite construction of Atal Sethu after which the distance of the area was decreased to neighboring States, the Basohli handicrafts and painting failed to get the boost and attention the level it deserved,”.
Meanwhile, the Provincial President also met with various delegations and listened to their number of problems being faced by them in absence of basic amenities. “Nobody is taking care of the people’s problems. People of the Basohli area are decrying about dilapidated roads, pesky power situation, skyrocketing of prices of essential items and acute shortage of potable water,”
Gupta criticized the government for not showing its serious concern towards the suffering of common masses. He said the people of Lohai Malhar and Bani areas have been facing acute hardships due to the lack of basic amenities.
Gupta urged the Lt Governor’s administration to ensure that sufferings of people for want of basic amenities are reduced so that the common masses get a sigh of relief. He further appealed to the concerned authorities to take necessary measures in saving this ancient art by encouraging the local youth towards this dying art.
The senior NC leader also assured the people of the area that their issues will be taken up with the authorities concerned for its early redressal. He asked the people of Basohli to support National Conference in the forthcoming Assembly elections so that the miseries of people would be resolved.
Those who accompanied the Provincial President include Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Provincial Secretary Jammu, Vijay Lochan P.P SC Cell, Pardeep Bali Sr. leader, Romy Khajuria District President Billawar.
Block President Basholi Rafiq Raja had organized the meeting in Basholi in which other office bearers and NC workers participated in strength.
