Budgam, July 1 (JKNS): Former Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Vice President Budgam, Mohd Ashraf Lone, has alleged neglect of Muharram arrangements in several areas of the Beerwah constituency and strongly criticised National Conference MLA Beerwah, Dr. Mohammad Shafi, accusing him of failing to support organisers and local residents during the observance.
Addressing the media, Lone said that while the district administration, particularly the SDM Beerwah, police, and other concerned departments, made commendable efforts to facilitate Muharram processions and religious gatherings, the local MLA remained absent from the arrangements.
He alleged that several villages beyond Sonpah were neither visited nor attended to, despite public expectations that their elected representative would stand with them during the important religious occasion.
“We cast our votes with the hope that our representative would stand with the people during significant religious events. Unfortunately, no support was extended by the MLA’s office for the Muharram arrangements,” Lone said.
He further claimed that local residents arranged the Muharram observances through public contributions and voluntary efforts without any assistance from the elected representative. According to Lone, the successful conduct of the observances was made possible through the collective efforts of volunteers, local communities, and the district administration.
Lone also alleged that the MLA appeared only briefly during the Muharram processions and that his visits were limited to photo opportunities rather than addressing the concerns of mourners and organisers.
While appreciating the efforts of the district administration, especially the SDM Beerwah, for ensuring peaceful and well-organised Muharram observances, Lone urged elected representatives to remain connected with the people and fulfil their responsibilities during important public and religious occasions.
He said the people of Beerwah deserve equal attention and development and called upon the MLA to engage more actively with all villages across the constituency instead of focusing on select areas. (JKNS)
