Samba, September 8: Congress workers staged a protest in Samba under the leadership of senior Congress leaders M.K. Bhardwaj and Satish Dutta, raising a series of public-interest issues and demanding immediate action from the government.
The protesters strongly voiced their concerns over the rising cost of living, alleged heavy taxes being imposed through electricity bills, unemployment among educated youth, the alleged FIR registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the long-pending Samba–Mansar road project, and the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
During the protest, Congress leaders and workers raised slogans and criticized the government over what they described as the failure to address issues directly affecting the common people. They said that rising prices of essential commodities have placed an additional financial burden on ordinary families and demanded effective measures to control inflation.
Demand for Relief on Electricity Bills
One of the major issues highlighted during the demonstration was the alleged imposition of heavy taxes and charges through electricity bills.
The protesters demanded that the government review the existing electricity billing burden and withdraw what they termed excessive taxes and charges. They said that people are already struggling with increasing household expenses and that high electricity bills are adding to their financial difficulties.
Congress leaders called for immediate relief to consumers and urged the authorities to adopt a people-friendly approach on electricity-related issues.
Unemployment and Employment Opportunities for Educated Youth
The protesters also raised the issue of unemployment, particularly among educated young people.
Congress leaders demanded concrete steps to create employment opportunities for educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir. They argued that young people who have spent years acquiring education and professional qualifications should be provided adequate opportunities to build their careers within the region.
They urged the government to accelerate recruitment, generate employment opportunities and introduce effective measures to address the growing concerns of unemployed youth.
Demand to Withdraw Alleged False FIR Against Rahul Gandhi
Another prominent demand raised during the protest was the withdrawal of the FIR allegedly registered against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Congress workers described the FIR as politically motivated and alleged that it was filed without proper justification. They demanded that the case be withdrawn and maintained that political issues should not be allowed to overshadow matters concerning the welfare and rights of the people.
The protesters emphasized that the Congress would continue to raise issues concerning the public and would oppose what they perceive as injustice against its leadership.
Samba–Mansar Road Work Demanded on Priority
The condition and delay in work on the Samba–Mansar road also figured prominently during the demonstration.
Congress leaders demanded that work on the road project be started immediately and completed without further delay. They said that the road is important for residents and commuters in the area and that the continuing problems associated with the project are causing inconvenience to the public.
The protesters urged the administration and concerned authorities to take the matter seriously and ensure that the required work is initiated at the earliest.
Restoration of Jammu and Kashmir Statehood
The Congress leaders also reiterated the demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
They said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been waiting for the restoration of full statehood and urged the government to fulfil the commitment at the earliest.
The protesters maintained that restoration of statehood is an important issue for the political and administrative aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and called for the matter to be addressed without further delay.
Congress Says Public Issues Must Get Immediate Attention
Speaking during the protest, Congress leaders emphasized that inflation, electricity charges, unemployment, road connectivity and restoration of statehood are matters directly connected with the daily lives and aspirations of the people.
They appealed to the government to take immediate and effective measures to provide relief to the public and resolve long-pending issues.
The protest concluded with Congress workers reiterating that they would continue to raise public-interest issues and press the government for concrete action on matters concerning the people of Samba and Jammu and Kashmir.