MLA Speaks:”I’ll reverse the quarry ban & restore livelihoods”: Sumbal Sonawari MLA Hilal Lone

Bandipora, Nov 03: Hilal Lone, the newly elected MLA for the Sumbal Sonawari constituency in North Kashmir’s Bandipora District, has set his sights on addressing long-standing issues impacting his constituents.
Winning by a margin of 13,000 votes, Lone, son of former MP and National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Lone, shared his vision with Rising Kashmir, emphasizing the need to reverse the 2014 stone quarry ban, which he said has affected local livelihoods.
“The ban on quarrying major minerals has hit many families hard. I will challenge this order and, if needed, take the case to the Supreme Court,” Lone said, adding that his father had been the sole voice opposing the measure in the Assembly.
Lone acknowledged the challenges introduced by the recent delimitation, which added new areas to his constituency, and emphasized his commitment to establishing connections and addressing issues in these newly integrated regions. “There are people I didn’t know well enough, but connecting with them and understanding their needs is my priority,” he remarked.
Drawing on experience from his involvement in his father’s campaigns in 2014 and 2019, Lone expressed confidence in navigating his first term. “It doesn’t feel new to me. I’ve been through this before, helping my father in every campaign,” he stated.
In one of his initial actions as MLA, Lone has already raised concerns about the constituency’s lack of clean drinking water, securing a commitment from officials to expedite a reliable water supply. “Health and education are also top priorities, and every problem will be resolved in the shortest time possible,” he assured.
With determination and a clear agenda, Lone aims to address Sumbal Sonawari’s pressing issues, fostering progress for his constituency in North Kashmir.