SJAC leads massive peaceful rally in Ramban over Sawalkakote Hydroelectric Project

Ramban, June 04: Hundreds of residents on Thursday participated in a massive peaceful rally organized by the Sawalkakote Joint Action Committee (SJAC), demanding justice, transparency, and safeguards for local interests in connection with the proposed 1,856 MW Sawalkakote Hydroelectric Project.

The rally, described as one of the largest public mobilizations in recent months, began from the Dak Bungalow and passed through the main market areas of Ramban town. Protesters raised slogans and carried placards demanding fair compensation, employment opportunities for local youth, and protection of the rights of project-affected families.

Among the slogans raised were “Our Land, Our Rights, Our Future,” “Ramban Ki Majboori Hai, Sawalkakote Zaroori Hai,” “We Want Compensation as Per the Fair Compensation Act,” and “First Preference to Ramban Youth in Employment.”

Addressing a public gathering, SJAC President Advocate Fairoz Khan said the people of Ramban were not opposed to development but wanted their rights and livelihoods protected. He stressed that local residents must remain key stakeholders in the project and called for transparent engagement with affected families.

Khan also demanded that compensation be paid strictly in accordance with the Fair Compensation Act and urged authorities to ensure priority employment for local youth in the project. He warned that although the movement remained peaceful, it would be intensified if the concerns of the affected population were ignored.

The committee also expressed concern over repeated extensions in the project’s tendering process, stating that the latest deadline had reportedly been extended from June 4 to June 16.

Several SJAC members and civil society representatives, including Ali Shan, Sanjay Kumar, Rahi Manzoor, Mudasir Azmat, Sheetal Singh Bali, Abdul Rahim Bali, Tauseef Mir, Iftiyaz Shoil, Vakil Singh, Gulraz Ahmed, Masood Khan, Ravinder Singh, Mohd Yousuf and Zakir Ahmed, addressed the gathering and reiterated their support for the demands of the affected communities.

The rally concluded peacefully with participants urging the administration and project authorities to hold meaningful dialogue with local stakeholders and ensure that development benefits the people of Ramban.