Saifuddin Soz demands rail link to Poonch, Rajouri

Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir), June 18 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Saifuddin Soz has demanded a rail link for Poonch and Rajouri districts.

Addressing a rally here, Soz said that he has taken up the matter with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and is hopeful of it getting through.

"I told the Prime Minister from my side, on behalf of the Congress party and the people of Poonch that it will not be very difficult to connect Rajouri and Poonch by train," said Soz.

"I also said that much tunneling would not be required on this track. And I am hopeful that our request will not be overlooked and we will fight for this cause," he added.

Soz also said the railway link would bring more tourists and thus generate income for the people of the region.

Union Minister of State for Kashmir Affairs Prithvi Raj Chauhan and State Gujjar and Bakwarwal Welfare Board Vice Chairman, Bashir Ahmed Naz, were also present on the occasion.

People of Poonch and Rajouri have been demanding a rail and a road link for quite some time.

A rail link between the two districts could accelerate socio-economic development.

The Muhgal Road connects Poonch and Rajouri with the Kashmir valley. The road also serves as a doorway for geographically isolated districts. (ANI)