Kulgam, Oct 17: A wave of celebration swept across Damhal-Hanjipora (Noorabad) as Sakina Itoo, the National Conference (NC) leader, was inducted into the cabinet of the Omar Abdullah-led government. Supporters gathered in large numbers at her residence, with many expressing their joy and pride at her achievement.
Gulzar Ahmad, a staunch supporter of Itoo, described the cabinet induction as a moment of great happiness for Noorabad and the entire South Kashmir region. He said that Sakina’s hard work has been instrumental in leading the National Conference’s resurgence in South Kashmir. “We are grateful to Omar Abdullah for keeping his promise and appointing her to the cabinet,” he said, adding that they are hopeful that the new government would address the day-to-day issues faced by the area.
Ahmad added, “Omar sahib is a man of words. During a recent public meeting at D K Marg, he assured us that Sakina would be given a cabinet berth, and today he fulfilled that promise. Now, we look forward to the central government offering its support and not treating Jammu and Kashmir with indifference.”
Abdul Rashid, another resident, said the people of Noorabad, known for their political awareness, stood firmly behind Itoo during the elections. “We worked hard to ensure her victory, and now the National Conference leadership has rewarded us by giving her a cabinet position,” he said.
Following Itoo’s oath-taking ceremony at SKICC Srinagar, her hometown erupted in celebrations. Women supporters sang traditional Kashmiri Wanwun songs, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement.
Sayeeda Akhtar, a long-time supporter, said the people were overjoyed by Itoo’s achievement. “We are on cloud nine today. Sakina ji has always been a pillar of support for the poor and downtrodden in this constituency. Her door has always been open to everyone, and she has treated all of us with kindness throughout the years,” she said.
Sakina Itoo secured her victory in the D H Pora Assembly constituency with 36,623 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Gulzar Ahmad Dar, by a margin of 17,449 votes.
