Handwara, Oct 02: Member of Parliament (MP) for Baramulla, Engineer Rashid on Wednesday said his primary focus is not forming a government but addressing the people’s aspirations and pushing for development.
The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief reiterated his commitment to resisting the August 05, 2019, decision that altered Jammu & Kashmir’s status, saying that the region’s people have shown resilience since then.
Speaking to media persons in Kulangam, Handwara while inspecting a bridge, Er Rashid criticised the current state of governance under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He questioned the accountability claimed by the administration, highlighting the closure of NTPHC in the middle of the day, which he argued was indicative of the state of affairs in J&K. “If NTHC remains closed at 11 o’clock, what can be expected from the rest of the administration?” he asked.
He added, “You will no longer see new MLAs, except for AIP. You will search for them with lanterns, but you won’t find them.”
Referring to the 18 assembly constituencies he represents, the MP Baramulla said he considers himself a servant of the people. He urged government officials – from Patwaris to Deputy Commissioners – to focus on public welfare.
He warned that he would resort to “old ways” of ensuring people’s work is done if the administration failed to address concerns, hinting at coming on roads if necessary.
Er Rashid expressed his dismay over the condition of bridges in north Kashmir, most of which, he claimed, are defunct. He urged the administration to take immediate action to improve infrastructure, stressing that the lack of progress is affecting the region’s development.
Touching on the closure of a health and wellness centre in his native village of Mawar, the AIP chief said he is still waiting for a response from the Health Secretary and the LG administration. He urged immediate action to address these pressing issues, which, according to him, have long been ignored.
