Hakeem Yaseen Demands Power Concessions for Khag, Flags Neglect in Health, Education and Tourism
Budgam: President of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, on Sunday expressed grave concern over the steep hike in electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the move has severely impacted poor and marginalized communities, especially in rural and far-flung areas like Khag in Budgam district.
Addressing a party convention and public meeting in Khag subdivision, Yaseen said it was deeply unjust to impose inflated electricity bills on people who continue to suffer from frequent power cuts and erratic supply. He demanded an immediate review of the power tariff hike and sought special electricity concessions for economically backward areas like Khag.
“For decades, Khag has been neglected by successive governments. People here are deprived of basic facilities that are taken for granted elsewhere. Charging exorbitant power bills to poor households without providing reliable electricity is nothing short of injustice,” he said.
Highlighting the poor state of infrastructure, the PDF chief said Khag continues to suffer from neglect in crucial sectors such as health, education, drinking water, roads and electricity. He demanded the immediate reopening and strengthening of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Government Degree College (GDC) and Industrial Training Institute (ITI), which he said have remained closed or non-functional due to official apathy.
“Health and education are fundamental rights. Without functional hospitals, colleges and training institutes, meaningful development is impossible,” he asserted.
Yaseen also raised serious concern over rising unemployment and urged the administration to create job opportunities for local youth, warning that continued neglect would further alienate people and deepen the trust deficit between the government and the public.
Reiterating his long-standing demand, Yaseen strongly appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to immediately lift the ban on tourism activities at Doodpathri, Yousmarg and Tosamaidan. He said the prolonged closure of these destinations has devastated the livelihoods of hundreds of families dependent on tourism.
“Ponywalas, guides, shopkeepers, hotel staff and daily wage earners are facing immense financial distress. Tourism is not a luxury here; it is a lifeline,” he said.
Yaseen further alleged that certain individuals are collecting money from the public on the pretext of facilitating the reopening of tourist destinations. Terming the matter serious, he demanded a thorough investigation and strict legal action against those involved.
He appealed to the public not to give money to anyone, stating that reopening tourist destinations is solely the government’s responsibility.
Earlier, a large number of party workers and local residents attended the PDF convention in Khag, where Yaseen criticized the National Conference government for failing to fulfill its promises and accused it of adding to people’s hardships. He also criticized the PDP for facilitating the BJP’s entry into Jammu and Kashmir, which he said ultimately led to the abrogation of the region’s special status.
