Member of Parliament Er Rashid has demanded the immediate return of Jammu and Kashmir’s hydropower projects from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, accusing the corporation of exploiting the region’s resources.  According to Kashmir Media Service, Er Rashid, while speaking in Parliament on Monday, said NHPC continues to behave like the East India Company, looting Jammu and Kashmir’s natural resources in broad daylight.

“Our water, our land and our sacrifices are being exploited while the people of J&K are denied their rightful share,” he said.  The jailed Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have waited far too long for justice on the long-pending demand to restore ownership of hydropower projects to the territory.

He urged the Modi regime to honour the memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and return what rightfully belongs to occupied Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that the exploitation of hydropower potential without adequate local benefit has generated deep resentment among the people. 

Er Rashid highlighted the plight of communities in Uri, Doda, Reasi, Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal areas of Jammu region, where large hydropower projects have displaced locals but failed to provide meaningful livelihood opportunities. He demanded priority employment for local residents, saying that these projects exist because of the land, water and sacrifices of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Calling the demand a fight for justice, dignity and rightful ownership, Er Rashid said the people of Jammu and Kashmir stand firmly behind this long-overdue cause.  He also called for free electricity within a five-kilometre radius of every hydropower project, effective utilisation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds for local area development and the establishment of a transparent framework to ensure that communities directly benefit from resources extracted from their land. 

The MP urged the Indian government to demonstrate sincerity by initiating the process of returning the projects to Jammu and Kashmir. He said such a step would not only correct a historical injustice but also help restore trust between the people of the region and the authorities.  

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)