Jammu, July 2 (KNS): Expressing serious concern over the alarming delay and reported non-utilization of central funds earmarked for the construction of bunkers in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference Additional General Secretary and Former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today called for a highlevel probe to fix accountability and ensure justice to the border population living under the constant threat of shelling from across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB).
In a strongly worded statement issued here, Sadhotra lambasted the lackadaisical and indifferent approach of the so-called double engine government over the past decade. He said it is deeply unfortunate that despite repeated shelling incidents leading to the loss of precious civilian lives, the BJP government at the Centre and its proxy administration here failed to ensure timely construction of individual and community bunkers an essential safety measure for the vulnerable border population.
“The very purpose of allocating funds for bunker construction was to provide immediate protective shelters to our border residents, especially in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch districts, who frequently come under direct threat of cross-border shelling,” . Sadhotra said, adding that such callousness was not just administrative failure but also a human tragedy that could have been averted.
Citing recent media reports that highlighted large-scale non-utilization of the allocated funds, Sadhotra questioned the accountability of those at the helm of affairs in the last ten years. The revelations are disturbing. It is now becoming clear that the promises made to border dwellers were more for political optics than sincere delivery. These reports must not be brushed aside; they demand a time-bound probe to determine why funds meant to save lives were not utilized and who is responsible for the lapse,” he added.
Sadhotra recalled how the National Conference had proposed the construction of community and individual bunkers after widespread demand from residents and panchayat representatives during border visits and public meetings.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe purpose was clear to provide a maximum level of security and dignity to the people who have faced decades of uncertainty due to border tensions.
“In stark contrast, the past decade under the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the erstwhile state has seen repeated announcements and groundbreaking ceremonies, but very little actual work on the ground.
The result is visible - lives lost, families displaced, children traumatized, and no concrete action,” Sadhotra lamented.
He said that the very concept of a double engine government, which the BJP has been touting as a model of seamless governance proved to be a hollow slogan in the case of Jammu and Kashmir, especially for border areas. When it came to actual deliverables like bunkers, the double engines not only stalled but completely failed, he added.
Calling for immediate and visible action, Sadhotra called for expediting the construction of all pending bunkers. He specifically appealed to Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah for facilitating the construction of bunkers on immediate
basis.
“This is not a political issue; this is about the right to life and security of thousands of our fellow citizens. We owe it to our border residents to provide
them the safety and dignity they deserve,” Sadhotra said.
He also demanded that the BJP may be exposed by releasing a district-wise status report on the number of bunkers sanctioned, number completed, funds received, and current status of execution. Transparency in this matter is crucial not only for accountability but also to restore the shaken trust of the people, he
said.
Reiterating the National Conference’s commitment to stand by the people of the border belts, Sadhotra hoped the time bound construction of bunkers.(KNS)