National Conference leader and former Parliamentarian, Sheikh Abdul Rehman, Friday claimed that all out efforts are being made to revive the campaign for a separate ‘Chenab Valley Hill Development Council’ (CVHDC) by involving all the stakeholders of the region under the banner ‘All Party Action Committee’ (APAC).
The National Conference leader issued the statement whileaddressing a press conference at Bhaderwah, after completing an extensive tourof Doda and Kishtwar districts.
“Since the past two decades, we have been peacefullyfighting for a separate Chenab Valley Hill Development Council on the patternof Ladhakh, Lahool-Sipiti and Darjeeling. Now it is high time to turn our dreaminto a reality,” Rehman said.
“To achieve our goal, we have involved all the stakeholdersof erstwhile district Doda, including law makers, Panchayat members, academicians,lawyers, members of civil societies and also luminary eminent class of societyunder the banner APAC for Chenab Valley Hill Development Council,” hesaid.
“We are not against the idea of separate developmentcouncils for Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh regions or divisional status for Chenaband Pir Panchal regions, but this arrangement will not serve our purpose. Onthe basis of merit, including geographical, topographical and demographics, wedeserve a separate Hill Development Council,” the National Conferenceleader added.
While talking about the campaign, he said that in the comingdays conventions, sit-in protests, debates, rallies and shutdowns across allthe three districts, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban, will be organized to press forthe demand.