Budgam, May 14 (JKNS): Congress Youth Leader Sameer Bhat said that over the past two years, the public, especially the youth, had pinned great hopes on the present government. People believed that employment opportunities would increase in line with electoral promises and that unemployed youth would be provided with a better future.
He said that the public expected visible progress in development works and the employment sector compared to previous years, but unfortunately the results did not meet public expectations. He further stated that people also had high hopes from Omar Abdullah, but perhaps due to limited powers, he could not work at the level the people had expected.
Sameer Bhat said that the situation could have been different if full statehood powers had been restored. However, he added that people still expect both the UT administration and the elected government to take serious measures for employment, education, and the welfare of youth.
He further said that when Omar Abdullah had announced during his election campaign the establishment of a National Law University in Budgam constituency, the Congress party had welcomed the move. According to him, Congress has always supported public welfare and educational development.
Sameer Bhat said that the establishment of a National Law University and other educational institutions in Soibugh Budgam would prove to be a positive step for the bright future of the younger generation. He expressed hope that the educational infrastructure in the area would be further strengthened to provide students with better academic opportunities.
He said that people are still hopeful that the promise made by Omar Abdullah regarding the establishment of a National Law University in Soibugh Budgam will soon be fulfilled.
He further stated that discussions regarding the closure of liquor shops near educational institutions, religious places, and residential areas, as well as restrictions on the sale of alcohol, have gained importance in different parts of the country. According to him, such measures are necessary to protect the younger generation and maintain a healthy social environment.
Reacting strongly to the recent remarks of Omar Abdullah on alcohol, Sameer Bhat said that the majority population of Kashmir is deeply connected with Islamic and Sufi traditions, where alcohol is considered socially and religiously unacceptable. Therefore, a large section of society feels that public sentiments, social values, and cultural identity should be respected while dealing with such sensitive matters.
He said that today the world is learning from leaders who respect public sentiments, culture, and moral values while taking prompt decisions. Referring to Tamil Nadu, he said that Chief Minister Vijay had reportedly ordered the closure of 717 liquor shops located near religious places and educational institutions soon after assuming office, describing it as a positive example of respecting public sentiments.
Sameer Bhat appealed to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to take immediate and serious measures for the protection of youth, promotion of education and employment, and safeguarding social values so that public trust can be restored and a positive atmosphere can be created in society.
He further said that people expect all public representatives, including Omar Abdullah, to keep local traditions, religious sentiments, and social consequences in mind while making statements on sensitive issues.
He concluded by saying that the youth of Budgam constituency are currently facing serious issues such as unemployment and lack of opportunities, and therefore immediate and practical measures are necessary to address these challenges. (JKNS)
