Lake that wasn’t meant to be

Although the outbursts by National Conference NC leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah are getting sharper day by day with controversial statements on Pakistanoccupied Kashmir PoK making front page headlines political commentators consider it an old formula to reach out to its core constituency in Kashmir

Updated At : 06:22 AM Nov 20, 2017 IST

The artificial lake project on the Tawi in Jammu. Tribune File Photo

The damaged piers of the floodgates of the ‘abandoned’ artificial lake and relentless mining of gravel and sand close to the project reflect the official indifference towards major developmental projects in Jammu. Approved in 1986, the project was shelved on “flimsy grounds” after spending over Rs 40 crore on it. Its crumbling infrastructure suggests that the lake was never going to be a “reality”. It is a synonym of government’s neglect. Arteev Sharma

NC’s old formula

Although the ‘outbursts’ by National Conference (NC) leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah are getting sharper day by day, with controversial statements on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) making front page headlines, political commentators consider it an old formula to reach out to its core constituency in Kashmir. They say that whenever NC leadership feels sidelined or considers an opportunity to get political mileage in the complex political vortex of the Valley, talking about Pakistan has been a favourite. “They follow the legacy of NC founder late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who would sway people’s opinion with emotional issues and put his opponents on the back foot. Till the NC is out of power, Omar and Farooq will remain in controversies. This is the norm of Kashmir politics,” said a long-term NC loyalist. Sumit Hakhoo

Govt ‘paralysed’

The winter has just begun but it seems the government machinery has already paralysed. The power cuts have increased, roads are flooded with drain water and schools have been ordered to close early for winter vacation. Everyone has but one question, why does the government fail to fulfil the winter demands? By blaming people for everything, the government cannot escape responsibility. It must provide people all required facilities in this harsh weather. Rifat Mohidin

Traders await shoppers

The Durbar opened in Jammu on November 6, but not many Kashmiris can be seen here as families of move employees continue to stay in Valley till the weather gets harsher. Even those who come to Jammu from Kashmir during winter are yet to arrive. Traders in Jammu are eagerly waiting for rain and snow in the higher reaches so that people head towards the winter capital. Amir Karim Tantray