The newly elected Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, outlined his key priorities for the constituency during an interview with Rising Kashmir on Friday. Kar emphasised the need for improving civic infrastructure, boosting job opportunities for youth, and securing district status for Sopore, which he believes will help address long-pending issues in the region.
Speaking on the lack of development in Sopore over the past decade, Kar expressed concern over the deficiencies in healthcare, education, and employment. “Sopore has been neglected for the last 10 years, and it is high time we focus on the improvement of health services, educational infrastructure, and creating job opportunities for the youth,” Kar said.
One of Kar’s main objectives is to secure district status for Sopore, citing its large catchment area and historical significance. “People have to travel long distances to Baramulla for administrative work. Granting district status to Sopore will make governance more accessible for the people,” he added.
Kar also plans to push for the upgrading of the Fruit Mandi and its surrounding areas. He suggested that the region be declared a dedicated horticulture belt, extending to Sangrama. “The restoration of Sangrama railway station’s full status, downgraded in 2016, will streamline activities at the Fruit Mandi and boost the local economy, providing livelihoods for hundreds of people,” Kar explained.
In addition to economic development, Kar emphasized the importance of preserving Sopore’s historical and cultural heritage. “We plan to restore the town’s historical status, dating back to the Budshah Sultanate era, and connect the Jamia Masjid Sopore with Watlab Ghat via the Bund Road. This will bring Sopore into Kashmir’s tourism circuit,” he said. Kar also promised to focus on renovating old buildings and preserving the town’s architectural legacy.
Another issue Kar vowed to tackle was the town’s ongoing solid waste disposal problem. “Solid waste disposal has been a major issue in Sopore for years. We will work towards a long-term solution to this crisis, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable environment for our people,” he added.
Kar also highlighted several ongoing development initiatives in the constituency. An eco-park is currently being developed in Nigli Sopore with a budget of ₹5 crores. Additionally, the Jal Jeevan Mission schemes, aimed at resolving the region’s drinking water issues, are expected to be completed within the next one to two years.
Reflecting on his election victory, Kar noted that he secured 26,783 votes, defeating Mursaleen Aajir by a margin of 20,220 votes, and ending the political reign of two-time MLA Haji Abdul Rashid Dar, who garnered only 5,127 votes. Kar assured that the National Conference’s promises made during the election campaign, aimed at the welfare and prosperity of the people, would be fulfilled.
“Our focus will remain on the welfare and development of the people of Sopore, ensuring peace and prosperity in Kashmir,” he said.
