Sallar, Anantnag , Oct 18 (KNS) : Rafi Ahmad Mir, Former MLA Pahalgam and General Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, on Sunday addressed a workers’ meeting at Sallar, where he launched a scathing criticism of the government, accusing it of failing to live up to the aspirations of the people and neglecting the pressing issues confronting South Kashmir.

In a statement issued, Mir said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had placed considerable hope in the present government, expecting meaningful political engagement, responsive governance and concrete measures to address their long-standing concerns. However, he said, the government had failed to translate public expectations into tangible outcomes.

He expressed particular concern over what he described as the continued neglect of South Kashmir, arguing that several important public issues remain unresolved while the concerns of local communities, traders, tourism stakeholders and unemployed youth continue to be overlooked.

Speaking about Pahalgam, Mir said the region’s economic interests and tourism-dependent livelihoods had suffered considerably. He emphasised that Pahalgam is not merely a tourist destination but the economic backbone of thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on tourism and allied activities.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe called for serious intervention to safeguard local economic interests, restore confidence among stakeholders and ensure that the people who sustain the tourism industry are not pushed further into uncertainty.

Mir said that political leadership must be judged by its ability to articulate public concerns and secure meaningful relief for ordinary citizens, rather than by rhetoric and assurances. He urged the government to move beyond political statements and demonstrate its commitment through concrete decisions addressing unemployment, healthcare, public infrastructure and the economic challenges facing South Kashmir.

He also called upon Apni Party workers to strengthen their grassroots engagement, remain connected with people in their respective areas and raise public grievances through democratic and constitutional means.

Mir reiterated that the Apni Party would continue to highlight the concerns of the people and hold those in power accountable for their commitments, while working towards the protection of public interests and the restoration of confidence among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)