Jammu, The National Conference (NC) has highlighted the persistent challenges facing Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), attributing the region’s instability and high unemployment rates to the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Despite government promises of peace, development, and new industrial investments, the reality for many in the region remains bleak, with unemployment figures surpassing seven lakh (700,000).

According to Kashmir Media Service, Rattan Lal Gupta, the NC’s Jammu region president, expressed concerns during interactions with local youth in Jammu. Gupta criticized the Modi administration for its failure to translate Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) purportedly worth Rs 80,000 crore into tangible industrial growth and job creation. He called on the administration to publish a white paper detailing the number of industries established in the region over the past five years, highlighting a significant gap between government claims and on-ground realities.

Gupta pointed to the widespread frustration among the region’s youth, who, despite being highly qualified, find themselves struggling to secure employment. This situation is exacerbated by what Gupta describes as the administration’s “callous attitude” and policies that have pushed the existing industrial sector to the brink of collapse.

The NC leader’s remarks underscore a broader critique of the Modi government’s approach to IIOJK, suggesting that policy missteps have deterred potential investors and contributed to an environment of instability and misgovernance. This assessment presents a stark contrast to official narratives of progress and development in the region.