STATE TIMES NEWS
KATHUA: Nation cannot ignore the immense contributions of border residents who are part of the first defence along with security forces and the country is indebted to the high spirit and nationalism exhibited by them.
This was stated by Yudhvir Sethi, J&K BJP Vice President while addressing a DDC poll campaign rally for Asha Rana, Party’s candidate form Rajpura area of Kathua district here today. Sethi said “In recent times, IB is seeing more firing and infiltration, and the residents of these areas are required to be given benefits for living in such dangerous and risky areas,” adding that his party had promised the residents of areas adjoining the IB that they will be given justice by way of reservation in education and jobs as is available to the resident of Line of Actual Control. “The BJP is committed to fulfilling all promises made to the people,” he added.
Sethi, who is also the Prabhari of Kathua district, said that BJP led Government at the Centre has fulfilled its commitment by providing reservation to the people living along the International Border (IB). He said that BJP led Government has provided reservation to them in line and on par with the residents of the Line of Actual Control.
Sethi mentioned that after 2014, the salary of SPOs which was earlier Rs 1500, was hiked manifold and raised to Rs.18,000 in order to ensure adequate livelihood and also to provide dignity to the SPOs. Similarly, he also referred to the enhancement in insurance amount for the victims of cross border firing and also insurance cover for the cattle. The senior BJP leader said that BJP led government under the patronage of PM Modi is committed for the overall development of J&K and change the developmental scenario which would leave none among the youth deprived. He said the revolutionary steps taken by the Modi-led dispensation including abrogation of Article 370 made it possible for the people here to avail all the benefits which were readily available to their counterparts in other parts of the country but denied to J&K residents due to short sightedness of political class that ruled the region in the past over 70 years.
