Srinagar, Oct 24: BJP spokesperson Danish Bhat on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference leadership over the continuing healthcare crisis in Gurez, questioning the accountability of its MLA, Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, who has represented the constituency across four Assembly elections since 2002.
“Nearly two decades of political representation should have translated into reliable healthcare, functioning emergency services and dignity for the people of Gurez. Instead, residents are now forced to sit on a hunger strike to demand a gynaecologist, a radiologist, a functional operation theatre, a blood bank and even appropriately equipped ambulances. This is not merely a healthcare failure; it raises serious questions about political accountability,” Bhat said.
Expressing concern over the death of 30-year-old Haseena Begum and her unborn baby on October 14, Bhat said the tragedy had brought the region’s longstanding healthcare deficiencies into sharp focus.
“An expectant mother should not have to depend on uncertainty when she needs emergency medical care. No family should have to endure such a devastating loss while questioning whether timely treatment and adequate facilities were available. The allegations surrounding this tragic incident must be investigated impartially, and responsibility must be fixed wherever lapses are established,” he said.
Bhat questioned the National Conference’s claims of representing the aspirations of the people of Kashmir, saying that representation must be measured by results on the ground, not by election victories or political rhetoric.
“When people have to demand a permanent specialist, a functioning operation theatre and emergency transport after years of representation, the elected leadership owes them answers. Gurez is a remote and strategically important region where difficult terrain and winter conditions make dependable medical infrastructure indispensable. These challenges are well known; they cannot be invoked indefinitely as an excuse for inadequate preparedness,” he added.
The BJP spokesperson demanded that the government urgently address the protesters’ genuine concerns, ensure the availability of specialist doctors, operationalise essential hospital facilities, strengthen emergency referral arrangements and deploy suitable ambulances in Gurez, Tulail and Bagtore.
He also called for a time-bound investigation into the deaths of Haseena Begum and her baby, with the findings made public and appropriate action taken in accordance with the law.
“People of Gurez are not asking for favours. They are demanding basic healthcare, accountability and the assurance that their lives matter. Their hunger strike must not be reduced to another headline that disappears after a few days. The government must act, and the elected representative must answer for the condition of the constituency he has represented for so many years,” Bhat said.
