Srinagar, Jan 20: Chairman of Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen on Saturday expressed concern over the educational and social backwardness of the Khag area in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, saying it has been neglected on all fronts by successive governments.
During a meeting with a delegation from Khag, Hakeem demanded the immediate establishment of a Government Degree College and a Sub-District Hospital in Khag, the party said in a statement.
Accusing previous governments of neglecting Khag in various developmental and poverty alleviation programs, Yaseen urged the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, to sanction a Degree College and a Sub-District Hospital for Khag. The fulfillment of these demands aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Sab Ka Saath Sab Ka Vikas’ guarantee, he said.
The PDF chairman highlighted the untapped tourism potential of Khag and stressed the need to exploit it for the socio-political transformation of the backward area. He mentioned that developing tourism activities would generate employment opportunities for the local youth.
Assuring the delegation, Hakeem said he will take up the demands and problems outlined in the memorandum with higher authorities, including LG Manoj Sinha, for prompt resolution. Emphasizing Khag’s importance in Budgam district, he called for focused attention to achieve its socio-economic transformation on modern lines.
The former minister cautioned against political parties that engage in emotional and religious blackmail for their political interests. He asserted that political ideologies exploiting religious, cultural, and emotional differences for political gains are detrimental to the pluralistic credentials of the country.
