Raman Suri criticises PDP for ‘politicising’ Kashmir’s dev projects

Jammu, Dec 09: Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) executive member Raman Suri has expressed strong disapproval of political parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for opposing key infrastructure projects in Kashmir.
Highlighting the need for bipartisan support on developmental initiatives, Suri in a statement said that politicising such projects undermines progress and deprives people of essential benefits.
Referring to recent objections to the railway line between Anantnag and Pahalgam and the establishment of a satellite township in Kashmir, Suri said, “These unnecessary political roadblocks reflect the unwillingness of certain parties to embrace change and development. The approval for the satellite township was granted two years ago by the Lieutenant Governor, yet opposition voices have emerged only now. This township is not a novelty; similar colonies have been developed across India to address housing shortages and decongest cities.”
The BJP leader said such projects would not only alleviate housing issues but also generate significant employment opportunities in the region. “Kashmir has suffered decades of stagnation due to terrorism, leading to increased unemployment and inadequate infrastructure. However, the past five years have witnessed a resurgence in development, bringing tangible benefits to the local population,” he said.
Suri said the opposition from Kashmir-centric parties seems driven by narrow political motives. Development works should remain above politics, as they are aimed at enhancing the lives of ordinary people, he said, adding that obstructing these initiatives only hampers progress and sustains hardships for the public.
The BJP leader urged the newly formed state government to ensure that projects initiated by the union government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir are executed without any disruption, advocating for dialogue with opposing parties to address their concerns and emphasise the collective benefits.
Suri cautioned against opposition to development projects and said that people of Kashmir need more infrastructural development and parties PDP must not deprive them of the same. “Enough of damage has been done to the development of Jammu and Kashmir and its high time people reap the benefits of central schemes aimed at their progress and prosperity,” he said.
“India must remain vigilant against internal as well as external threats while ensuring internal stability and growth,” Suri said. “Development is a shared responsibility. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve peace, prosperity, and progress. Politicising initiatives that aim to uplift the region is counterproductive and must stop immediately.”