Srinagar, Nov 18: .Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Habbakadal and JKNC’s President of Women’s Wing Shamima Firdous Monday said that she would transform her constituency into a vibrant tourism hub to generate employment for local youth.
In an interview with Rising Kashmir, she said that her commitment to revive tourism in the Habbakadal will be top priority during the next 5 years.
“Even during my last tenure, I initiated the conversion of the historic Lalla Ded school in Ganpatyar into a museum-cum-heritage center, which now serves as the valley’s first art gallery, showcasing our rich heritage,” the MLA said.
In the recent assembly elections, Shamima defeated BJP candidate Ashok Kumar Bhat by a significant margin of 9,538 votes, securing 12,437 votes against Bhat’s 2,899. This victory marks her return to the Habbakadal seat, which she held for two consecutive terms from 2008 to 2014.
During her tenure in the coalition government of the NC and Congress, she also served as Chairperson of the State Commission for Women in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir.
Shamima also said that her vision of creating a traditional tourism circuit from Ganpatyar to Habbakadal by renovating old houses to replicate the heritage paths seen in Himachal Pradesh and other regions of India.
“This will not only preserve our cultural legacy but also attract tourists, boosting local livelihoods. My plan is to restore the historical significance of the Habbakadal area,” she said.
The MLA further said old residential building near the Habbakadal bridge will be turned into a historical library for students and job aspirants.
“This place, once a communal hub for Muslims, Hindus, and other communities, will be revived to become a tourism hotspot again,” she said.
Senior NC leader also highlighted the neglected condition of key shrines in her constituency, including Syed Mansoor Sahib (RA) in Zaldagar and Syed Malik Sahib (RA) in Nawakadal, which have suffered since the 2014 floods. Will restore the pristine glory of these historic shrines.
” I have also plan to address the dilapidated state of the Mujahid Manzil, a historical monument, and will reopen the Pather Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque closed for years due to Qibla-related issues,” she said.
Shamima further said that if prayers are resumed at Pather Masjid, it will generate religious tourism in the area.
She also said that there is need for urgent need to create employment avenues for the local youth, many of whom, have crossed the age bar for government recruitment due to years of neglect.
“For the past decade, these youth have been sidelined. I want to secure their future, provide them with opportunities, and steer them away from drug abuse,” she said.
Shamima also outlined plans for recreational facilities to engage the youth and combat the growing drug menace.
“Unemployment often pushes young people toward substance abuse. By providing them with opportunities and hope, we can curb this crisis,” she said.
Shamim said that there is deep-seated issues of prolonged conflict and unemployment in Kashmir, which have led to widespread mental health issues.
“By addressing these challenges collectively, we can mitigate substance abuse and pave the way for a brighter future,” she said.
MLA Habbakadal also announced the setting up of a grievance cell to address public concerns promptly.
“I respect the people’s mandate and will take their issues to the government without hesitation. My doors are always open to the public,” she added.
