Mehbooba demands creation of six new districts in J

Lolab, North Kashmir, July 5 (UNI) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, today demanded creation of six new districts in the state keeping in mind the huge increase in population over the years.

Addressing a party convention at Chairkoot in Lolab area of frontier Kupwara district, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said given the huge increase in population over the years, creation of six new districts in Jammu and Kashmir would be a welcome step.

While the Wazir Commission has already recommended creation of three districts at Reasi, Kishtwar and Ramban in the Jammu region, the new districts in the Valley should be established at Bandipora, Ganderbal and an appropriate centrally-located town in south Kashmir, she demanded.

Ms Mufti said such a move would not only fulfill the long-pending demand of the people of the areas concerned, but also ensure equitable share to both the Jammu and Kashmir regions.

Reiterating PDP's commitment to equitable development of all the regions of the state, she said any move to establish new districts in the state should satisfy the aspirations of both the Jammu region and the Kashmir valley.

Ms Mufti asked the party workers to remain in touch with the people at the grassroots level and highlight their grievances and demands at the appropriate forum for speedy redressal.

At present, the state has 14 districts. These are Srinagar, Pulwama, Anantnag, Kupwara, Baramulla and Badgam in Kashmir division and Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu region while two are in Ladakh division - Leh and Kargil.

UNI AG AK GC1725