Bunkers for entire border population yet to be made : Gulam Ali Khatana

Srinagar, Mar 4: Senior BJP leader and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha Nominated), Er. Gulam Ali Khatana concluded his three-day tour of Thana Mandi Assembly Constituency, District Rajouri.

During the visit, he criticized the National Conference for what he described as continued neglect of the Rajouri–Poonch region in various sectors of development. Khatana alleged that the NC leadership has diverted funds to select constituencies while ignoring the genuine developmental needs of Rajouri–Poonch. He said the region has often been treated merely as a vote bank instead of being developed on merit and priority.

Locals informed Khatana that individual and community bunkers have not been constructed for civilian safety during cross-border tensions. They highlighted poor basic amenities, including irregular drinking water supply, shortage of teachers in schools, and inadequate healthcare facilities. Many residents expressed dissatisfaction, stating that elected representatives visit only during elections and fail to address their concerns afterward.

People further alleged that roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) are being constructed selectively in areas linked to Congress and NC workers, while other habitations are being ignored. Complaints were also raised regarding substandard construction work and alleged financial irregularities by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), including compromised quality and limited engagement of local skilled and unskilled labour.