Kupwara, Feb 1: Advocating a rail link between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday said such a move will help make this route between the two parts of Kashmir more viable, popular and worth all types of trade and commerce. Addressing a public meeting Aloosa, after laying the foundation of 220 meter long bridge over Khemal Nallah, Omar said: “Srinagar-Muzaffarabad rail link is very necessary to establish people-to-people contact for ensuring everlasting peace and tranquillity besides turning the borders as lines of love and mutual friendship.”
Omar said his Government was very eager to connect the hearts of people and promote friendship and love between the two countries.
The Chief Minister said that the matter regarding rail link between Kupwara-Baramulla and Kupwara-Tanghdar besides Rajouri-Poonch and Doda was taken up in a meeting held recently at Jammu with the Railway authorities. He said Baramulla-Kupwara rail link project report is ready and is awaiting release of funds. He said the J&K Congress President, Professor Saif-ud-Din Soz and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and NC President, Dr. Farooq Abdullah have also taken up this matter with the concerned authorities.
Omar said Kashmir is not only a developmental issue but all aspects including political had to be addressed for everlasting peace and tranquillity. He said the Coalition Government in the State and the Central Government have already initiated measures to resume dialogue process so that lasting solution of the issue is found, which would help to develop Jammu and Kashmir on all fronts.
Regarding socio-economic development of Kupwara district, the Chief Minister said that due to the past two decades situation, much attention could not be given towards this district. He assured that the Government will ensure all possible measures for the overall development of the district. He said 8 bridges are already under execution in various areas of the district at a cost of Rs 20 crore.
The Chief Minister announced setting up of a Polytechnic College at Kupwara, adding that the work on it would be taken up soon.
The Chief Minister said that he has asked the District Development Commissioner to conduct a survey of drought-hit areas in the district so that the sufferers are provided three months free ration.
Referring to the un-employment problem, the Chief Minister said that Government has already announced an employment package to tackle this problem on various fronts.
The CM approved Rs 50 lakh under untied funds, which will remain under the disposal of DC Kupwara. He directed authorities to acquire the land for Handwara bye- pass bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 8 crore, Rs 58 Lakh for environmental centre at Handwara, 28 lakh fore building at Karnah, Rs 36 lakh as additional funds for transformer workshop, 25 lakhs for auditorium at Langate, Rs 3.77 lakh for dietary charges for Gujjar and Bakerwal hostel Kupwara.
He gave additional funds for Kandi Karnah Park and Rs 10 lakh for district hospital Handwara.
KUPWARA WELCOMES CM
On the maiden visit of the Chief Minister to Kupwara, people today welcomed him and reminded him of his promise of giving representation to the district in the Cabinet.
People in Kralpora and Kupwara town were standing on roadside making long queues to have a glimpse of the Chief Minister. Particularly youth were very enthusiastic.
“He is of our age and understands problems of youth. We hope he will take steps to curb the increasing unemployment and corruption,” said Nazir Ahmad a local youth.
People early in the morning started pouring in from remote areas including Chowkibal, Karnah, Kalaroos and Awoora atop the vehicles beating the drums.
Minister for PHE and Irrigation Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister for R&B G M Saroori, Advisor to Chief Minister Mubarak Gul, Ministers of State, Nasir Aslam Wani and Javaid Ahmed Dar, MP, Sharif-ud-Din Shariq and MLA Kupwara, Mir Saifullah, also spoke on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 1 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 1 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 IST