Choudhary Zulfkar Ali, Minister Food Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Information called on Ram Nath Kovind, President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan here and discussed wide range of issues related to twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.Zulfkar also conveyed best wishes of the Chief Minister of J&K and people of State to the President.He apprised the President about the problems being faced by the people residing along LoC in the twin border districts Rajouri-Poonch who are the victims of recurrent cross-border firing. In view of the sufferings of the people there is special need to have a focus towards the development of this region.The Minister put forth the demand for permanent mechanism for ensuring safety of the people which needs to be taken by the government of India by framing a comprehensive policy for rehabilitation of the people by providing special financial assistance to the J&K government for construction of permanent in house bunkers in these areas. He also sought the President's intervention for conducting survey of loss of human lives due to cross border firing as most the victims have not been compensated.
He requested President to use his good office for launching special economic package for economic betterment and connectivity of the area. He urged the President to prevail upon GoI to take immediate steps for laying Jammu Poonch Railway project which is a long pending demand of the people of the area.Further, in order to have better air connectivity with rest of parts of the state and country, there is an urgent need to restore commercial air service to Rajouri and Poonch. He also apprised the President about the four laning of Jammu - Rajouri - Poonch Road. The work on this road has not been started yet. He further requested that the work on this prestigious project be initiated on priority.Zulfkar also demanded launching of special recruitment in armed forces for the local youth. He also laid stress on taking initiatives to boost border and eco-tourism which can have positive impact on the economy and employment opportunity for the local people.