We consider J&K as state not a UT: Deputy Chief Minister
Visits Sopore, inaugurates Water Supply Scheme at Sopore Fruit Mandi
Sopore: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Saturday said that National Conference is dedicated to restoring statehood to the region and that they consider Jammu and Kashmir as a state, and not a Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters, Choudhary said that they are clear on their stand over restoration of statehood and they continue to fight against the forces that downgraded J&K to a Union Territory.
He also said that security forces should strengthen measures and carry out their duties diligently and terror attacks must stop.
He also highligted lack of representation that Jammu and Kashmir faced over the past decade due to absence of a stable government.
“We were distanced from the people under the previous regime, which often overlooked the issues that matter most to Kashmiris. Now, we are committed to addressing these concerns,” he said.
The Deputy CM visited Sopore and inaugurated Water Supply Scheme at Sopore’s Fruit Mandi, Asia’s second largest fruit marketplace.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forests and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, Minister for Agricultural Production, Rural Development &Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar and MLA SoporeIrshad Ahmad Kar.
Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, Chief Engineer, PHE Kashmir, VivekKholi, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmad, ADC Sopore, S.A.Raina and President of Fruit MandiSopore, Fayaz Ahmad Malik along with members from the civil society and other senior officers were also present during the inauguration.
This critical infrastructure constructed under PMDP at the cost of Rs. 6.37 crore will now ensure provision of clean and safe drinking water for thousands of traders, workers and visitors who frequently visit the mandi.
In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the importance of ensuring essential services like clean drinking water in such a large trading hub. He emphasized that the Water Supply Scheme is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support economic growth by improving basic infrastructure.
SurinderChaudhary emphasised that this Water Supply Scheme will not only provide clean drinking water to the mandi but will also enhance the quality of life for thousands who work here every day. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, making it more conducive to trade and economic growth.
Javed Ahmad Rana, in his address, said that the Water Supply Scheme is a response to long-standing needs in the mandi and represents the Jal Shakti department’s commitment to public welfare. He further acknowledged the importance of access to clean water in preventing health risks and supporting productivity in the state’s agricultural hubs.
Minister of Agricultural Production, Javid Ahmad Dar, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the water supply project is essential for the welfare of traders and labourers, who rely heavily on this hub for their livelihood. By ensuring clean drinking water, the scheme contributes significantly to the well-being of the entire Mandi community, he added.
Later, the Deputy CM and other Ministers engaged with the public in an interactive session, where President of Sopore Fruit Mandi raised the issues concerning macadamisation of inner links of the Sopore Fruit Mandi, truck yard, construction of the Mazbugh Bridge, widening of the LadooraSopore Fruit Mandi Road, the macadamisation of a private shopping complex, street lighting, and other development issues.
The Deputy CM attentively listened to the public’s demands and assured them that work on these projects is already underway at full throttle and will be completed at the earliest.
