Khansahib (B’gam): Chairman Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Front (J&KPDF) and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen has impressed upon the political leaders of Jammu & Kashmir to avoid making political mistakes that can further hurt the sentiments of the people.
Addressing a party convention at Shamsabad Krishipora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, he said political parties should avoid the past mistakes that alienated the people from mainstream politics. Hakeem said in the past due to political mistakes and blunders, we lost many precious things and it will take time to retain them back.
“From time to time, people were being deprived of constitutional status, economic benefits, due to such things it has further alienated the masses in the region,” he said. Hakeem said recent incidents have saddened Kashmiris. The expectations of the people are being sidelined by the administration and there nothing is being done on the ground level. “Our youth has been pushed to the wall due to wrong policies of the central government. There is a need to think over this burning issue, so that the unemployment crisis can be curbed in the region,” the PDF Chief said. Reacting to the power crisis in the area, he said the work on two mini hydropower projects including Nallah Sukhnag and Nallah Shali Ganga are yet to be completed by the administration. “When health, education, and development is the priority, then why these twin projects are being sidelined by the administration? It is unfortunate that work was stopped due to unknown reasons,” he said.
Hakeem urged the central government to immediately re-start work on these two projects so that it will provide employment to locals and also generate enough electricity for the area. “DPR and other formalities of these projects have been already completed by the authorities but they have stopped the work due to unknown reasons,” he questioned. The PDF Chairman said the tourist destinations in Budgam are being sidelined. There is good potential to revive tourism in Yousmarg, Tosamaidan, Doodpatri and other places. “These tourist places are being outsourced to non-local contractors but preference should be given to locals. It is a big loss to locals as it can curb the unemployment crisis in the area,” he said.
Hakeem said there is a need to develop infrastructure in these places so that the pristine glory of tourist places in Budgam can be restored. The former minister also slammed the administration for failing to provide water supply to dozens of villages in central Kashmir. The roads are in a dilapidated condition, they should be macadamized on a priority basis. The PDF Chairman also extended his greetings on the beginning of the new Islamic year. He urged the administration to take appropriate arrangements in view of Muharram and stated that processions should be allowed in the entire Valley.
