Srinagar

Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has hoped the remarks made by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi about Kashmir during his August 15 speech would bring about a welcome change in the state as it did during the previous tenure of former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Addressing a public meeting at Hussaini Park on Saturday, Mehbooba recalled the turnaround Jammu & Kashmir witnessed after 2002 and how many people friendly steps were taken which improved the situation in the state and between the two neighbouring countries.

File image of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

She hoped the acrimony between Indian and Pakistan would give way to peace and friendship in the near future.

Mehbooba said her party has been advocating dialogue, reconciliations and peaceful means of conflict resolution ever since its inception and during its earlier regime in 2002 her party got it executed on the ground to a large extent.

Pitching strongly for opening more historic routes across LoC in the state, Mehbooba said she has taken up opening of Kargil-Skardu road with the Centre and exuded confidence that with its opening Jammu & Kashmir would become hub of economic activities as it would act as gateway to Central Asia.

According to spokesman she said her party had promised construction of a tunnel on Zojila pass and soon work would start on it which on completion would mitigate all connectivity problems of the region. She said the road network in the town would be further improved for which she announced the release of Rs. 15 crore. She said her Government has already doubled the honorarium for teachers working in the region.

On the demands put forth, Mehbooba directed the R&B department to conduct survey of Panikhar-Kishtwar road which would further improve the inter regional connectivity in the state. She also announced to look into exploring the possibility of air service and take up the issue of railway line to Kargil with the Railway Minister. She said connecting regions in the state is a part of her government’s developmental agenda.

On the occasion, she also kick started a water supply scheme for the town to be built at a cost of Rs. 12 crore and which would benefit a population of around 50 thousand in the town. She also laid foundation of a distribution network costing Rs. 19.20 crore which would be completed by the end of next financial year.

Mehbooba laid the foundation of Rs. 6.93 crore Das Drethang road which would improve the intra district connectivity in Kargil. Enroute for two kilometres children welcomed Mehbooba Mufti with placards and welcome slogans.

 

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