If Nubra, Gurez are constituencies why not Padder, Marwah-Warwan: Saroori

Kishtwar, July 08, 2021:  Pitching for equitable representation to all the sections of society and all geographical areas, former minister and Vice President J&K Congress, G. M Saroori said that if Nubra and Gurez with less than 20 thousand population qualify for separate assembly constituency, why Padder, Warwan Marwah being discriminated against.

Talking to reporters outside PWD Dak Bangla Kishtwar, after meeting with delimitation commission which compromises of Senior leaders including Vikar Rasool Wani, Ashok Kumar, Naresh Kumar Gupta, Sheikh Mujeeb, Shabir Ahmed Lone, Ali Mohd Naik, Ghulam Qadir Sheikh, Ghulam Haider Sheikh, Mohd Iqbal, Musarat Naik, Bidya Lal, Bashir Ahmed Lone and others, Saroori said that Nubra valley was a constituency with jist 11 thousand votes similarly in Kashmir is a constituency with less than 20 thousand votes but despite geographical disadvantages Padder, Warwan Marvha being discriminated while the fact of matter is these regions have above 25 thousands population and tough terrain.

Saroori further said that the entire area of Kishtwar erstwhile Doda district is more than Kashmir but doesn’t understand the logic behind denying political representation to remote Padder, Marwah-Dacchan. He said the entire Chenab valley is still undeveloped and lacks primary health centers, hospitals, educational institutions, which would only be rectified through political representation.

“Government of India discriminated with Chenab Valley. If Udhampur got medical college, which have Naryana Hospital and Jammu Medical College in the vicinity why not the consider Chenab valley which lack in every infrastructural aspect,” he said.

“Our children have to walk for 15 kilometers to go to higher secondary school while schools are opened at door steps in other constituencies. This will continue until and unless we will not get political representation,” the senior leader said and added that with documented proof apprised the delimitation commission to give us three assembly segments and that too with geographical aspects.

In addition to this, Saroori also pitch a demand for separate Parliamentary seat for Chenab Valley (Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts) which is presently being represented in Kathua-Udhampur-Doda seat, comprising Kathua, parts of samba, Reasi, Udhampur and three districts of Chenab valley.

Apprehending the fraud, Saroori opposed the idea of 9 nominated seats by Lieutenant Governor, he termed the nomination as undemocratic, it should not happen. Saroori also said that though the delimitation will be held in 2026 in the entire country, we don’t know the reason for early delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir.