Srinagar, Feb 18: MLA Zadibal and Chief Spokesperson of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, Tanvir Sadiq, today delivered a comprehensive and hard-hitting intervention in the Legislative Assembly on the grants of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, raising serious concerns over discrimination against credible newspapers, the worsening garbage crisis in Srinagar, delays in rehabilitation of Dal Lake dwellers, and urgent structural reforms needed in urban governance.
Opening his remarks with the powerful verse, “Nigah buland, sukhan dil-nawaz, jaan pur-soz — yehi hai rakht-e-safar, mir-e-karwaan ke liye,” Sadiq congratulated Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his team of officers for their leadership and vision.
He also lauded the historic achievement of the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team in reaching the Ranji Trophy final, terming it a moment of pride and a positive omen for the region. He urged the government to formally felicitate them.
Sadiq revealed shocking irregularities uncovered through his unstarred Assembly question regarding the allocation of government advertisements. He pointed out that government advertisements are being disproportionately allocated to obscure and largely unread publications such as Fish Eye, Lake View, Bargi, Chinar, Bekhouf Shankh, Jumbo, Young Organizer, Bhumi, Rehbar, Nograan, Teesri Ankh, and Teesri Duniya Kashmir.
In contrast, leading and widely respected media institutions—including Gulistan TV, News18, Greater Kashmir, Excelsior, State-times, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Kashmir Times, Kashmir Life, Aftab, and Srinagar Times, Tameel Irshad and others have been comparatively neglected.
He questioned the criteria behind advertisement allocation, asking whether decisions are based on readership and credibility or proximity and favoritism. Sadiq demanded a review and reform of the 2020 Advertisement Policy to ensure transparency, fairness, and equal treatment.
He further called for pension benefits for accredited journalists, noting that many Indian states already provide such social security, and stressed the need to introduce journalism courses from the 10+2 level to strengthen professional standards.
Highlighting the alarming waste management crisis in Srinagar, Sadiq emphasized the urgent need to move beyond outdated dumping practices. He strongly advocated adoption of the Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) model, which converts waste into fuel for cement plants.
“This is a scientifically proven solution that addresses both waste disposal and energy needs. The delay is administrative, not technical. We must act now,” he said.
Sadiq expressed deep concern over the slow pace of rehabilitation of Dal Lake residents, particularly in Mir Behri. Despite identification of nearly 400 structures and policy acceptance of rehabilitation, only about 150 allotments have been made, with barely half the beneficiaries receiving support.
He pointed out that affected families are unable to process basic revenue mutations due to lack of ownership clarity, causing severe financial and legal distress.
He reiterated his demand for development of a Tourist Village in Dal Lake, ease of registration processes, and infrastructure projects like the Khushalsar Boardwalk to promote eco-tourism and livelihoods.
Sadiq highlighted structural discrimination against Srinagar due to NABARD’s rural funding limitations and called for dedicated urban funding mechanisms through CRF, AMRUT expansion, and special urban infrastructure packages.
He emphasized the need for vertical housing development to reduce land costs and address urban housing shortages, and called for creation of an Urban Commission to address sewerage, drainage, and infrastructure challenges.
He also demanded urgent action on key issues including allocation of the Leper Hospital, construction of J&K House in Delhi.
Raising a matter of grave concern, Sadiq highlighted the disappearance of a historic chandelier at Hazratbal Shrine, reportedly of Czechoslovakian origin, and demanded a thorough investigation and accountability.
In a sharp political remark, Sadiq cautioned the opposition against distorting historical facts, stating:
“Tum se pehle wo jo ik shakhs yahan takht-nasheen tha,
Us ko bhi apne khuda hone pe itna hi yaqeen tha.”
He added, “Power is temporary. History is permanent. Leadership must remain grounded in truth and accountability.”
