Srinagar, Dec 25: The Awami Itihaad Party said it will take up the issue of the proposed Pulwama Shopian railway alignment with the Union Railway Minister following protests by inhabitants of several villages in south Kashmir.
Chief Spokesperson of the Awami Itihaad Party, Inam Un Nabi, on Thursday expressed concern over grievances raised by inhabitants of Babhara Kakapora, Naman, Monghama, Kangan, Ticken, Bellow, Nikas, Keegam, Nazneenpora, Trenz and adjoining areas of Pulwama and Shopian districts. The inhabitants staged a peaceful protest against the proposed railway line passing through their localities.
Inam Un Nabi said the party supports development and infrastructure expansion but stressed that development should not come at the cost of livelihoods. He said large scale acquisition of fertile agricultural land and apple orchards would severely affect farmers and orchardists whose income depends entirely on these resources. He added that irreversible environmental damage and loss of productive land would have long term consequences for the region.
The AIP spokesperson said the concerns raised by the inhabitants are genuine and cannot be dismissed. He urged the authorities to reconsider the present alignment of the railway line and explore alternative routes that would minimise damage to orchards and farmlands. He also emphasised the need for meaningful public consultation with affected inhabitants before any further steps are taken on the project.
Announcing the party’s next course of action, Inam Un Nabi said the matter will be formally taken up with the Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw. He said the party will seek the minister’s intervention to ensure that development projects proceed in a fair, sustainable and locally sensitive manner.
He said the Awami Itihaad Party will continue to stand with the affected inhabitants and pursue the issue at all appropriate forums until a just and balanced solution is reached that safeguards livelihoods while accommodating development needs. [KNT]