Banihal: Awami Eithad Party (AIP) president Er. Rasheed has reiterated his demand for creation of a separate administrative division for Chenab and Pir Panchal regions. He said that the people of these neglected areas are facing a lot of hardships in absence of the basic facilities as they have never been more than a vote bank for opportunist politicians.
Er. Rasheed,while speaking in different public gatherings in Mahu Mangat area of Banihal, said that he was surprised to notice that despite being a very beautiful area, having potential of becoming a tourist destination, it has been neglected. He said that from roads to everything else, in the area, is in shambles. He said that very bad condition of roads and lack of other facilities stands witness to the fact that, from Congress to BJP and National Conference to PDP, no party has ever cared for this area.
Addressing the people he said “how unfortunate is the fact that you are no more than a vote bank for so called regional and national parties, they took your votes, came into power and simply forgot you. I was surprised to see the worst condition of your roads and I was told that the area lacks even the basic health care facilities”. Er Rasheed said that Mahu Mangat is filled with natural beauty and has a lot of potential of becoming a tourist destination. He demanded that Mahu Mangat should get a tourist development authority so that the area is developed fast and the people of this area gets benefit of what nature has blessed them with.
AIP president was shocked to learn that the official language, Urdu, was not being taught in the Mahu Mangat higher secondry school instead Hindi is taught. He said “we have no problem in learning Hindi or any other language but Urdu being the official language of the state should necessarily be taught especially in the Muslim majority areas because the language is very important for Muslims”. He said that the orders in this regard should immediately be issued without any further delay.
Er. Rasheed said that whole Chenab valley has a very difficult yet strategic location but it seems that the area is being ignored under a conspiracy and that is why this area has seen least development over the years. He said that the area needs better roads, health care, education, communication and all other basics. He said that the developmental issues of this area can be better addressed only if the area gets a separate administrative division. Er Rasheed said“We are not against Ladakh being given a separate division but our demand is that Chenab valley and Pir Panchal region also should get its right. Let Govt. understand the logical demand and fulfill it without making people suffer further”. He added that AIP will continue to press for this demand and will protest if it is not fulfilled soon.
He said that many so called development projects are underway in Banihal area but the fact is that the local populace doesn’t get much out of this activity. He said that the non state subject companies and agencies executing these projects are actually looting the resources of the area while as the locals don’t get the dividends which is their right. He said that conditions should be put for these agencies that they must engage more and more locals so that they find a respected work and earn locally.
Er Rasheed appealed the masses to strengthen the AIP in the area so that their voice gets heard at the forums that matter. He said “I don’t only seek permanent solution to the Kashmir dispute but I at the same time try to get the other day to day issues of the people addressed. Supporting AIP is not a pre condition but it becomes easy for me to raise the demands of your area if you elect my representative”. AIP’s Banihal District president Arif Waheed and senior party activist Mushtaq Suhail also addressed the gatherings and sought support for the party.