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Abid Hashmi questions Omar Abdullah government's performance over unemployment (Img: Dynamite News)
Srinagar: Social, political and cultural activist Abid Hashmi has criticised the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir over its failure to address unemployment and fulfil promises made to people during the Assembly elections.
Expressing disappointment with the government's performance, Hashmi said people, particularly young people, remained uncertain about their future and were increasingly frustrated by the lack of employment opportunities and economic difficulties.
"Unemployment is at the highest level and people are getting very frustrated. People had a lot of expectations from the elected government after 10 years. But what has changed? What difference has been made in these almost two years? As of now, the government hasn't kept any promises. If promises haven't been kept so far, what can we expect to happen in the next few years?" Hashmi said.
Hashmi said the National Conference had sought a public mandate on the basis of its election manifesto, raising expectations among voters. However, he alleged that the commitments made during the campaign had not translated into action.
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"We had made promises to the people and raised their hopes. But those promises seem to have been left inside the manifestoes. Who is going to be responsible? People are looking for jobs, development, round the clock power supply. But people are feeling helpless," he said.
He also compared the performance of the present elected government with that of the previous administration led by the Lieutenant Governor, claiming that the earlier government had performed better. According to Hashmi, the current dispensation had failed to meet public expectations or make a convincing impact through its work.
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Hashmi acknowledged that Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed significant changes since then. However, he argued that political and administrative changes alone could not be considered meaningful unless they improved the lives of ordinary people.
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"I agree that there have been many changes in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 was revoked but we were facing a lot of issues before 2019. Unfortunately things have changed a lot. After the abrogation of article 370 there have been many changes in Jammu and Kashmir. The situation today isn't the same as it was before 2019. There is a new era. There have been changes but political changes and saying that things have changed should mean that there are jobs, development and better living standards for common people," he said.
Hashmi said people had not expected the government to fulfil unrealistic commitments but had hoped for tangible progress in employment, infrastructure, development and electricity supply.
"We didn't expect them to make unrealistic promises but this government has failed to inspire us. We expected this government to create jobs, improve infrastructure, create development and provide power. That was our basic expectation. Unfortunately we are becoming very disappointed and this government hasn't inspired us. We are feeling helpless," he added.
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His remarks highlight concerns over unemployment, development and the implementation of electoral promises in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among people who had expected a change in governance following the return of an elected government.
