Thanamandi MLA Alleges ‘Injustice’ in Funds Distribution, Warns Omar Govt of Protest
Rajouri, May 14, KNT: Independent MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, who is supporting the Omar Abdullah-led government, publicly accused the administration of discriminatory fund allocation for his Thanamandi Constituency and warned of launching a hunger strike if the situation continues.
Expressing strong resentment over the alleged unequal distribution of development funds, Khan termed the situation a “criminal injustice” with the people of Thanamandi and other areas of Rajouri–Poonch.
The MLA alleged that while another constituency in Rajouri district received nearly Rs 50 crore in allocations, his constituency was sanctioned only around Rs 5 crore.
“Instead of Rs 50 crore that another constituency in Rajouri got, I received only Rs 5 crore. No funds have been allocated for bridges either,” Khan said while voicing anger over what he described as systematic neglect of the Pir Panjal region.
He also levelled serious allegations against Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, holding him responsible for the alleged imbalance in allocations.
Warning of escalation, Khan said he could launch a hunger strike if the alleged discrimination against his constituency and the wider Pir Panjal belt continued.
“If this continues, I will have to take a final call on what I have to do,” he said, indicating that stronger political steps may follow if his concerns remain unaddressed.
The remarks have triggered political speculation in Jammu & Kashmir as Muzaffar Khan is presently extending support to the National Conference-led government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The Pir Panjal region, comprising Rajouri and Poonch districts, has frequently witnessed demands for greater infrastructure investment, particularly in road connectivity, bridges, and public services, with local representatives often alleging neglect compared to other areas. [KNT]
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