Srinagar: Sajad Gani Lone, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference, has vehemently condemned the J&K administration’s recent decision to install water supply meters. Labeling the move as “quixotic and arbitrary,” Lone contends that this decision will place undue hardship on the already beleaguered residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a passionate statement released today, Lone underscored the critical need for a locally representative government that can tailor decisions to the specific challenges faced by the people of J&K. He argued that the current administration, which he described as an “alien government,” lacks the necessary insight and empathy to understand the economic difficulties of the region’s inhabitants, who have endured decades of turmoil.
“In yet another irrational decision meant to break the back of the inhabitants of J&K, the government has decided to install water meters,” Lone declared. “Only a government accountable and acceptable to the people of J&K possesses the authority and mandate to implement such decisions after carefully considering grassroots realities and economic challenges.”
Lone further criticized the central government’s rapid and sweeping changes across the country, suggesting that these are being replicated at an even faster pace in J&K. He warned that such excessive change could lead to disaster.
“One need not be a rocket scientist to understand that excessive change in a short period is disastrous. A disaster the BJP government has perpetuated across the country is being replicated at an accelerated pace by the current J&K Administration,” he stated.
Expressing hope for a change, Lone called on the administration to hold Assembly elections. He believes that a locally elected government would better comprehend and address the public’s suffering, bringing an end to what he termed “quixotic rule.”
“At least we would have a local government that understands and relates to the public suffering. This approach reminiscent of colonial times deserves condemnation, and I am hopeful these arbitrary and anti-people decisions will cease once elections are held,” he concluded.
The installation of water meters has sparked significant debate and concern among the residents of J&K, many of whom share Lone’s sentiments. As the region awaits further developments, the call for a more empathetic and locally accountable administration grows louder.
