Jammu, January 15:
Raqeeq Ahmed Khan, the spokesperson for the JK Apni Party, has issued a sharp ultimatum to the Jammu & Kashmir government, demanding the immediate establishment of a Municipality for Mendhar. On Wednesday, Khan launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing his administration of “civic failure” and “continued neglect” of the border district of Poonch.
A Tehsil in the Dark
Despite Mendhar being a major tehsil headquarters, it still lacks a formal municipal system. This administrative gap has led to a total collapse of public utilities, according to the Apni Party leader.
“It is shameful that after 5:00 PM, most parts of Mendhar are left in darkness due to non-functional street lights,” Khan stated. He highlighted that the town effectively shuts down after sunset due to poor infrastructure, mocking the “false claims of development” often cited by the Chief Minister’s office.
The “Rainy Season Nightmare”
The spokesperson specifically pointed to the perennial drainage crisis in Mendhar. Every rainy season, the lack of a planned drainage network leads to:
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Flooding of Markets: Rainwater frequently enters local shops, destroying inventory and causing massive financial losses to the business community.
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Unplanned Growth: Without a Municipal Body, construction remains unregulated, further complicating sanitation and urban planning.
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Lack of Accountability: Khan asserted that without a local municipality, there is no transparency or system to address public grievances.
“Governance Cannot Be Run via Press Conferences”
Criticizing the Chief Minister’s style of governance, Khan remarked that Mendhar has been sidelined in favor of “files and speeches.” While recent government reviews in districts like Baramulla and Poonch have promised “equitable development,” the ground reality in Mendhar remains grim.
“A Municipality is not a luxury—it is a necessity,” Khan warned, adding that the people are now united in their demand for “dignified living.”
Current Demands
The JK Apni Party has demanded three immediate actions:
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Notification of Municipality: Formally establish a municipal committee for the town.
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Drainage Overhaul: Immediate funding for a modern drainage network to prevent flooding.
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Restoration of Lighting: Repairing all street lights to ensure public safety at night.
The demand comes at a time when the Omar Abdullah government is under pressure to deliver on poll promises regarding rural infrastructure and local governance across the Union Territory.
