We gave pride of place to neglected areas: Mehbooba

Kotranka, Rajouri, May 29 (UNI) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and MP Mehbooba Mufti today said in its three-and-a-half years rule, the coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir had focussed on areas so far neglected in the development process.

Addressing a public meeting here, she claimed that with the implementation of several ambitious projects and programmes in the border districts of the state, a seachange has taken place at the grass-roots level.

Quoting the examples of Rajouri and Poonch districts, Ms Mufti said the twin districts were fast emerging as places of pride as a result of setting up of the Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University of Sciences and Technology, execution of work on the ambitious Mughal road project and several other projects for development.

She, however, urged for speedy implementation of the Mughal road project and suggested that the work be started from both sides.

Appreciating the initiative taken by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for opening the Poonch-Rawalakot road, she reiterated the party's demand for opening of Suchetgarh-Sialkote rail and road link as well, and said that with the concept of a free trade regime in South-Asia it would be appropriate to start the process from Jammu and Kashmir on an experimental basis so that more confidence is instilled among the people of the state.

She expressed optimism that the erstwhile ''Silk Route'' would emerge as a vital link for commercial activity and accord the state the status of a petroleum/gas route for entire central Asia.

Senior PDP leader and Minister for Housing and Urban Development Tariq Hamid Karra, while addressing the gathering, said Rrajouri and Poonch areas were rich in mineral resources like coal and lime stone which needed to be explored. He suggested devising of a special package for inviting investment in the area that would go a long way in generating employment avenues for the youth of the two districts.

UNI RKS LR PC/HS2011