Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) president and MLA Khansahib Hakim Mohammad Yasin today said that development was not possible till the core issue of Kashmir was settled.Addressing a huge public rally at Khansahib in Budgam, he said, “Peace is pre-requisite for development and New Delhi must take concrete steps to take out Kashmiris from the quagmire of political uncertainty by taking concrete steps.”“Kashmir issue is a main cause of rift between India and Pakistan. If Indian leadership really loves Kashmir and Kashmiris, they should without any delay take concrete steps to solve Kashmir issue. They should make an attempt to take out Kashmiris from the quagmire of political uncertainty by taking solid steps.”Pitching for immediate Indo-Pak dialogue, Hakim Yasin said, “Kashmir is a political issue and needs immediate solution. Till Kashmir issue isn’t solved, development is not possible in the region.”
The PDF chief said Prime Minister Naredra Modi let down Kashmiris by his hollow promises. “PDP had made a lot of hue and cry that Prime Minister will speak about unemployment issue, return of power projects, package for flood victims and a political package for the state. However, all this has proven to be a hoax as Modiji didn’t announce anything concrete,” Hakim Yasin said.“Though Modiji said unemployment was an issue in the state, he didn’t speak anything specific how to tackle that. PM should have announced some concrete steps to address unemployment issue in the state,” he said.He also questioned the state government over its inability to get an adequate package for the rehabilitation of flood victims. “What the center has announced is peanuts,” the MLA Khansahib added.
He also lashed out at the successive state governments for ignoring Budgam district in development front. “During my tenure as minister I had started several developmental projects in Budgam as it backward district. However, work on the projects started in my tenure as minister like Mini hydel projects and receiving station has been stopped due to political reasons. I tried to uplift the Budgam district but unfortunately since then opportunist political parties under a well hatched political conspiracy have been meting out step-motherly treatment with Budgam district.”He also reminded the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of his promises made with the people during last year’s elections, he said, “Where has his promise of ‘goli se nahi, baat banege boli se’ gone. There is a mismatch between the words and deeds of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its leadership.” (KNS)