In a recent sociopolitical activists meet organized by the United Peace Alliance (UPA) in Jammu, concerns were raised over the Union Power Ministry’s decision to ‘sell’ the Ratle hydroelectric power project to Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited for a 40-year period. Various speakers criticized the move, accusing the Union government of jeopardizing Jammu and Kashmir’s natural resources without the consent of its people.
Prominent figures at the meeting, including Mir Shahid Saleem, Chairman of the United Peace Alliance, and I D Khajuria of the International Democratic Platform, expressed their discontent with what they labeled as an “open loot” of the region’s resources. They alleged that a group of bureaucrats, under the direction of the Indian Home Ministry since August 5, 2019, has been actively working to undermine the interests of Jammu and Kashmir.
The speakers pointed out that arbitrary orders are continuously being issued, aiming to disempower the people of the region. They particularly emphasized the impact on the current situation, highlighting the harsh winter and widespread load shedding across the state. The Union Power Ministry’s decision to take away the 850 MegaWatt power-generating project from the locals was condemned, leaving them in a precarious situation.
The meeting concluded with a resolution to initiate a people’s movement against what they perceive as the open exploitation of their resources. Additionally, participants demanded swift and thorough investigations into the civilian killings in Bufliaz on December 22 of the previous year. They urged authorities to expedite the case to ensure that those responsible face stern punishment.
Among the notable figures who spoke at the event were Mir Shahid Saleem, I D Khajuria, Manish Sahni of the State President Shiv Sena, Dr. Muhammad Hussain, Sunny Kant Chib of the Human Rights Council of India, Com. Muhammad Maqbool, a noted trade union leader, Inder Dev Singh, Safeer Chowdhury of AAP, Santosh Kashmiri, Masoor Magray of JK Civil Society, Farooq Ahmed, President of Awami Forum, and Muhammad Haqnawaz, a senior journalist.
Note: This news is based on press release from UPA.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
