Srinagar, Feb 23: Stating that Jammu and Kashmir must reclaim its hydel assets to address the recurring power crisis in the region, National Conference MP Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan on Monday defended his party’s resolution seeking return of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)-run power projects
Speaking to reporters, Ramzan said, “Several power projects built on rivers in Jammu and Kashmir by the NHPC should be returned to the UT. The projects where the Government of India has already invested and from which revenue has been generated for years must now be handed back to us. We are facing a power crisis, and reclaiming these projects will help resolve it.”
The MP said under the existing arrangement, the UT receives only 12 per cent of the power generated from NHPC-operated projects, while the remaining 88 per cent is allocated outside.
“Whenever NHPC sets up a power project on our rivers, we get only 12 per cent of the generated power. The rest goes outside. We believe the projects that have already recovered their investments and earned substantial revenue should now be transferred back to Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
At the same time, the Member Parliament said his party was not opposed to fresh investments by the Centre in new hydropower ventures. “We will request the Government of India and NHPC to set up new power projects so that the state benefits. But the existing projects must come back to us,” he said.
On the issue of Articles 370 and 35A, Ramzan said the party continues to raise the matter at every available forum, including the Parliament.
“We have repeatedly spoken about Article 370 whenever we got the opportunity, both in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. It was part of an agreement between the then Maharaja and the Government of India. There were discussions and assurances in the past about addressing erosion of powers,” he said.
Referring to remarks by the Leader of Opposition that Article 370 had been buried permanently, Ramzan said: “That is his political agenda. We have our own political agenda and we will continue to pursue it democratically.”
The MP also referred to incidents involving Kashmiri students and traders outside the UT, saying the Union Home Minister had directed states to ensure their safety.
“Wherever Kashmiris are studying, trading or working, they must be protected. Any incident against them must invite strict action,” he said, adding that such incidents are condemnable and should not recur—(KNO)
