DODA: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President and Central Shalteng MLA Tariq Hameed Karra visited Thathri in Doda district on Wednesday to express solidarity with local youth observing an indefinite hunger strike demanding the construction of a permanent building for Government Degree College (GDC) Thathri.
The protest entered its seventh day as youth and civil society members continued their agitation against the 16-year delay in the execution of the project. Sanctioned in 2010, the college has continued to operate from a temporary Rural Development Department (RDD) building with only three to four rooms and limited academic streams.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the hunger strikers, Karra expressed dismay over the situation, questioning why students and local youth had been pushed to such extremes for a basic right like education.
“It is deeply distressing that in this era of development, our youth are forced to sit on a hunger strike for education. A college that was sanctioned 16 years ago, with land already allotted, is still awaiting construction,” Karra said.
Taking aim at the administration’s indifference toward the protest, the Congress leader said the authorities’ cold response reflected a lack of democratic values in the region.
“When we say democracy has ended and autocracy is prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir, it is reflected in this autocratic approach. A noble and selfless cause like education is being ignored as if these youth are demanding personal favors,” he added.
Karra also condemned the mindset of those politicizing educational institutions, asserting that society should encourage the expansion of education rather than hinder progress.
Assuring the demonstrators of his support, Karra asked the organizers to share all relevant documents related to the project and pledged to raise the matter at the highest administrative levels as well as in the Legislative Assembly to secure an early resolution.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times