Asking people to shape their future by getting connected with the peace and development loving forces and refusing to be exploited by ‘dream merchants’, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday said that the past twenty five years are witnessed to the economic distress the state has witnessed due to peace disturbance putting everything in shambles and sky rocketing unemployment problem.“We do not compel you to have same thought as is being nurtured by us for the development and peace in the state but at the same time we want to drive home to you the fact that development process cannot be put to back burner for all the times to come”, he said maintaining and asked the people to take right decision in this regard to ensure peace and prosperity in the state.Addressing a public meeting here after laying foundation of Rs.13.68 crore Mehrajpora bridge, the Chief Minister said that ‘dream merchants’ have sold many dreams to people without filling colour to any of these. He said people have to decide how long they could wait for peace and prosperity.
Referring to the lagging behind of Sopore town in the development process, the Chief Minister said that this is because of the reason that people of the town during the last twenty five years were kept out of the ambit of peace and development. “Instead of showcasing the historic characteristics of Sopore, its natural wealth, scenic beauty and world famous apple, this town has been introduced as the resort of, violence, militancy, stone-pelting and peace disturbance”, he said and told the people to shed this artificial face implanted on Sopore during the last twenty to twenty five years.“It was my desire to address you here and make you aware of the losses you and your progeny is being put by the negative politics and ask you to rise to the occasion and decide for yourself to make your destiny bright and prosper”, he said and disclosed that for the long history of disturbance in Sopore, the security agencies were not in favour of him holding the public meeting at Sopore. “But ignoring the advisory I am talking to you frankly because you are as dear to me as the rest of the J&K people residing across the state”, he said and added that he wanted Sopore to be as developing a town as Srinagar, Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam and other districts of the valley.Omar said that despite the negative politics played in Sopore town and keeping people away from development, his government took all measures to ensure equitable growth in this northern town of Kashmir known for its horticulture produce.
The Chief Minister said that 35 water supply schemes have been launched in Sopore town to provide drinking water facility to the people. He said Rs.35 crore are being spent in the town on drainage and sewerage works while two projects have been launched to upgrade power system and six schemes are being implemented in the irrigation sector besides macadamizing about 40 roads. He said 300 unemployed qualified youth have been appointed ReT in Sopore constituency.
“Your MLA is tirelessly endeavouring to seek betterment and all-round development for Sopore and takes all necessary steps in this connection. He always bats for the speedy development of the town and discusses the necessity of host of development schemes for Sopore”, Omar said and asked the people to join hands with their representative to seek development in their areas particularly Sheikh Colony and Khushyal Colony mentioned in spasnama.The public meeting was addressed by Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi, Legislator and Provincial President NC, Nasir Aslam Wani and MLAs, Mohammad Ashraf and Javed Ahmed Dar.Earlier, the Chief Minister laid foundation of 205 meters long 5.5 meter wide bridge over river Jhelum at Mehrajpora near here. The proposed bridge is likely to cost Rs.13.68 crores and its expected date of completion is February 2016.Launch of this bridge has fulfilled long cherished demand of people of Sopore. The bridge on completion will connect Mehrajpora, Arampora, Chankipora of Sopore town with Ningli Tarzoo and with the Srinagar National Highway. It will act as a bypass for Sopore town for district Bandipora to Srinagar.