Bandipora, Oct 13: Member of Parliament (MP) for Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, Engineer Rashid on Sunday criticised the central government’s claims regarding the development of border areas following the abrogation of Article 370, calling them baseless.
During a visit to a village near the Line of Control in Gurez, Bandipora, Rashid urged politicians to set aside their egos and focus on the betterment of the people. He engaged with several local delegations, listening to their concerns and promising prompt resolution.
At the community health centre in Dawar, Rashid assured residents of his support, saying that border areas are a priority for him. “I promise the people of Gurez that the operational theatre will be functional by the end of this year using my MP fund. I will also request the Lieutenant Governor to allocate permanent gynaecologist positions for the Gurez Valley, so residents do not have to travel to Bandipora for medical care during the winter months,” he said.
The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) president also highlighted his goal of securing a road tunnel for Gurez, saying, “Whether I am in Tihar or outside, this will be my priority. We will also advocate for national highway status for the Srinagar-Bandipora road. I have an upcoming appointment with Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, to prioritize the Bandipora-Srinagar road.”
He further remarked on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s investment in the Gurez assembly seat, saying, “BJP invested a lot on Gurez and was expecting this seat in which they were almost successful, but their promises with people remain unfilled,” he said.
“The Prime Minister pledged five marlas of land to the villagers of Tarbal. If he hasn’t delivered on that promise in the past five years, what can people expect? Border residents are burdened with false promises from the central government,” Rashid added.
