Sets December deadline for key Bandipora bridges, reviews development works
Bandipora: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday called for a massive public mobilisation at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to demand the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, warning that political parties staying away from the protest would be “exposed before the people.”
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Bandipora, Choudhary said the proposed demonstration, scheduled to coincide with the first day of Parliament’s monsoon session, was a collective struggle for the restoration of democratic rights and constitutional status.
“Those who do not participate in the Jantar Mantar demonstration for restoration of statehood are enemies of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, urging citizens and political groups across the Union Territory to join the protest.
Commenting on the Women’s Reservation Bill, the Deputy Chief Minister said that if the legislation is reintroduced in Parliament, it would have to conform to constitutional principles and public aspirations. He maintained that no decision on the issue could be taken outside the framework of the Constitution.
The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that the government led by Omar Abdullah remains committed to fulfilling promises made to the people and would continue efforts for the restoration of statehood.
During the visit, Choudhary, accompanied by Nizamuddin Bhat and Hilal Akbar Lone, inspected several ongoing infrastructure projects, including key works along the Bandipora-Srinagar road corridor.
Reviewing the pace of development, he directed officials to expedite work on major connectivity projects and fixed a year-end deadline for the completion of two crucial bridges linking Bandipora with Srinagar.
Choudhary said the bridges would significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time and strengthen economic activity in the district. He also criticised previous PDP-BJP governments for delays in major infrastructure projects, alleging that several commitments remained unfulfilled.
“The present government is focused on completing long-pending projects within fixed timelines and ensuring visible development on the ground,” he said. (KNS)
