Calls for Dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar, 16 March: (GNS) The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Member of Parliament from Anantnag Hasnain Masoodi on Tuesday termed the annual budgetary allocations for major infra-projects in J&K disappointing and seeks enhancement on government spending on agriculture, its allied sectors, and highways.
While participating in debate on demand for grants in respect of Railways, Masoodi stated that there has been a 25 percent increase in budget proposal for railways raising it to Rs 1,10,000 Cr. however he said it was disappointing for J&K as no new projects were announced.
“While the National Rail plan is a welcome step, the focus has been on Eastern and East Coast region. Similar provisions should have been put in place for J&K. It is disappointing to see Kashmir being ignored with no progress on Baramulla- Kupwara, Jammu- Poonch, Udhampur – Banihal, Qazigund- Pahalgam railway lines. These routes despite being important from the tourism point of view have been ignored,” he said demanding visible progress on all the four railway lines.
Masoodi also sought special focus on the Udhampur – Banihal railway line because of frequent NH 44 closure. He also demanded increase in frequency of Qazigund- Baramulla railway.
The Parliamentary member has impressed upon the concerned ministry to give utmost precedence to locals in the recruitment for railways in Jammu and Kashmir. He reminded that while rail connects cities and towns what is required for JK is connecting hearts.
“We demand peace initiatives be taken at LOC and LAC need to be strengthened even as internal and external dialogue initiated on Jammu and Kashmir”, Masoodi said.
The Parliamentary member earlier on demanded extra relief in repayment of education loans to JK students on account of innumerable predicaments they had to undergo post 5 August 2019 lockdown, besides demanding special incentives for trout farming. (GNS)
