Hasnain Masoodi, Member of Indian Parliament from occupied Jammu and Kashmir, in a scathing attack on the Modi-led Indian regime highlighted India’s ongoing neglect and discrimination against Kashmiri people in the interim budget. According to Kashmir Media Service, Masoodi’s remarks, delivered in the Indian Lok Sabha, shed light on the stark disparities and overlooked priorities in the budget, which fail to address the fundamental welfare concerns of the occupied territory.
Masoodi lamented the significant reduction in expenditures on crucial sectors like agriculture, education, health, and social welfare. He criticized the budget for allocating insufficient funds to schemes such as the Krishi Sinchai Yojna and Umbrella Schemes for marginalized communities, thereby exacerbating the socio-economic disparities in the occupied territory.
Highlighting the broader issues of democracy and governance in Jammu and Kashmir, he condemned the absence of democratic institutions like Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Panchayats, and an elected legislature, which have deprived the people of the territory of representation and decision-making power for years.
Moreover, Masoodi underscored the challenges faced by Kashmir in various sectors, including agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and electricity generation, emphasizing the detrimental impact of India’s neglect on the territory’s development. Masoodi criticized the budget for its failure to provide a comprehensive roadmap to tackle pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and administrative inertia, thereby perpetuating the cycle of discrimination and marginalization faced by Kashmiri people.
Masoodi’s address in the Lok Sabha serves as a stark reminder of the systemic discrimination and neglect faced by Kashmiris under India’s governance, highlighting the urgent need for equitable policies and inclusive development strategies tailored to occupied Jammu and Kashmir ‘s unique needs.—KMS
