MP Ruhullah inaugurates roads in Kangan, demands relief on power tariffs

Umar Raina
Comments 0
12 Jan 2026

Ganderbal, Jan 12: Member of Parliament (MP), Srinagar, Agha Ruhullah on Monday inaugurated four major road projects in Surfraw Kangan in Ganderbal district under the PMGSY. He called for completing projects within a stipulated deadline. Speaking to media persons after the inauguration, the MP expressed gratitude to the officers involved in the projects. He said the road connectivity works were approved under central funding and would significantly benefit remote populations. “I thank my officers who worked hard for these projects. I hope the work will be completed on time so that people get better road facilities,” he said. Ruhullah, however, voiced serious concern over the increasing electricity tariff burden on economically weaker families. “Most people here fall under the BPL category and live in poverty. Yet the same electricity rates applicable to the normal category are imposed on them as well. Fees are increased repeatedly — from ₹1800 to ₹2200, then ₹2700. The government must protect BPL families and fulfil the promises made in the manifesto,” he said. Responding to a question on the recent controversy surrounding the shutting down of a college linked to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the MP accused “a vocal fringe element” of polarising Jammu. He alleged that these groups opposed merit-based admissions simply because “non-Hindus or Muslims” could secure seats. “They have fallen so much into hatred that an educational institution was closed only to prevent Muslims from getting admission on merit,” he said, adding that such actions go against the teachings of justice, equality and humanity associated with religious institutions. Mehdi said the broader population of Jammu, including Dogras, Pahadis, Gujjars and Muslims, does not support such communal narratives. “A fringe element cannot claim to represent Jammu. Jammu & Kashmir has one shared identity and remains incomplete without Ladakh,” he remarked Ruhullah criticised the government for delaying decisions on the reservation policy, despite claims that the relevant file has been forwarded to the LG’s office. “If the file has been sent, how long will the government wait? Two months, one year, ten years? What is their threshold? People’s future cannot be played with,” he said. The MP alleged that students protesting the delay were detained while he himself was stopped from meeting them. “If the file doesn’t return within the set timeframe, I am ready to stand with the students at the LG office,” he said. Ruhullah also expressed concern about inadequate USG (ultrasound) facilities at Kangan Hospital, forcing patients to travel long distances. He assured that he would take up the matter with the Director of Health and the government. “Kangan is far from Srinagar and Ganderbal. Medical facilities must be available locally. People should not suffer for basic diagnostics,” he said. On the question of regularising casual labourers, the MP said the government must honour its commitments. “We promised relief and regularisation. Why is there no action on matters already in our hands? Aspirants cannot wait indefinitely,” he said. He warned that prolonged delays in decisions regarding age relaxation, regularisation and reservation could permanently deprive many youth of employment opportunities. “Some issues require urgent solutions. If a candidate becomes over-aged in one year due to government inaction, that opportunity is lost forever,” he added.