Provincial President National Conference Mr Devender Singh Rana on Thursday lashed out at BJP for backtracking from its commitment to set up AIIMS in Jammu, saying the people were resolute enough in their demand and determined to take the ongoing struggle to logical conclusion.
“Our stand is very clear on AIIMS and let there be no ambiguity over it. While National Conference welcomes the decision to set up AIIMS in Kashmir, we strongly plead for another AIIMS for Jammu”, Mr Rana reiterated while addressing several meetings in Nagrota Assembly Constituency.
In a statement to KNS, he expressed anguish over delaying BJP tactics, saying contradictory statements were emanating from various entities within the party which has further compounded and complicated the issue. He wondered over the lackadaisical response of PDP-BJP alliance on AIIMS for Jammu and said the two coalition partners were not on the same page on this vital issue that has forced the people to take to streets. He cautioned against diversionary tactics and said that pushing the people to wall will jeopradise the peaceful atmosphere.
Referring to written agreement of the responsible BJP ministers with regard to establishment of AIIMS at Jammu, the Provincial President wondered how such a commitment could be made without taking the Centre in confidence.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“The coalition is so casual that it doesn’t feel AIIMS for Jammu worth discussing in its Coordination Committee or taking a call at governmental level to lead an All Party Delegation to the Prime Minister for breaking the impasse in order to avert confrontation”, the Provincial President said, recalling how the former Chief Minister Mr Omar Abdullah had doused the situation by single-mindedly pursuing Jammu’s cause for Central University. He said the hanging of issue has taken serious proportions with normal life in Jammu getting disrupted due to continuous hunger strike and the proposed 72 hour Bandh. He held the coalition responsible for precipitating the issue and reiterated offer to the Chief Minister for leading a delegation to the Prime Minister in consonance with the wishes and aspirations of the people.
Rana also expressed hope that the Centre will appreciate the sensitivity involved in the issue and take immediate call on resolving the demand for AIIMS in Jammu. “The matter cannot be allowed to drift and therefore immediate necessary steps are needed to be taken to save the situation.
“Satiating the urges and aspirations of the people is the paramount responsibility of the governments both at the Centre and in the State”, he added. (KNS)