Srinagar, June 17: Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Tuesday strongly criticized the National Conference’s proposed protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar demanding restoration of statehood, terming it an “eyewash” aimed at diverting public attention from what he described as the government’s poor performance and lack of governance.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Sharma said the Omar Abdullah-led government has failed to address key public concerns, including electricity shortages, drinking water supply, and corruption.
“The people are demanding electricity, yet there are no visible review meetings or serious efforts to address the issue. Clean and safe drinking water remains unavailable in many areas, and the government has failed to fulfill its responsibilities,” Sharma said.
He further alleged that corruption has become widespread under the present administration and claimed that people are unable to get their work done without facing corrupt practices.
“The six ministers in the government have only created an atmosphere of corruption. There is zero governance and zero performance on the ground,” he remarked.
The BJP MP also criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging that unlike chief ministers in other states who regularly interact with the public and review developmental work, Abdullah primarily engages with leaders from his own party.
“He should meet the people, interact with officers, conduct review meetings, and assess the situation on the ground. Instead, the government is trying to distract people from its failures through the Jantar Mantar protest programme,” Sharma said.
The National Conference has announced a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session to remind the Centre of its commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, while addressing a press conference marking 12 years of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, Sharma highlighted what he described as major achievements in Jammu and Kashmir since 2014.
He said the region has witnessed significant improvements in law and order, claiming that the atmosphere of fear, stone-pelting, and frequent shutdowns that once existed has largely disappeared.
“Before 2014, there were frequent strikes, stone-pelting incidents, and a sense of insecurity. Today, schools, colleges, and businesses function normally, and people carry out their daily activities without fear,” he said.
Referring to separatist elements, Sharma stated that certain groups had previously influenced young people to participate in violent activities and disrupt peace. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership with restoring stability and bringing Jammu and Kashmir on par with the rest of the country in terms of law and order.
“Prime Minister Modi’s government curbed those forces and helped create a peaceful environment. Today, the youth are moving forward with confidence and opportunities,” he added.
Sharma further claimed that the last 12 years have brought transformational changes to Jammu and Kashmir. According to him, nearly 90 percent of the desired transformation has already been achieved, while efforts continue to address the remaining challenges.
He maintained that peace, development, and improved governance remain.
