Seeks return of Dulhasti, Baglihar
New Delhi: While as New Delhi seems unmoved about the demands of state government, the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Thursday urged Prime Minster, Narender Modi to return the Dulhasti and Baghlihar power projects for the economic empowerment of state.
Mufti urged Prime Minister for the return of projects at a time when commerce and industries fraternities of both Kashmir and Jammu region have joined hands and sought the return of projects from New Delhi besides to set state as free economic zone.
While appraising the political and economic situation of state, the Chief Minister told Modi that adverse relations with Pakistan miserably affected the political and developmental scenario of state.
However, the Prime Minister will be visiting the state on November 5 to inaugurate Baglihar II Hydel Power Project. During the meeting, they also discussed wide-ranging issues including relations with Pakistan and cross-LoC trade and travel, skill development, infrastructure building, problems facing PoK refugees and the Agenda of the Alliance of the Coalition government.
He pitched for expanding the scope of cross-LoC trade and travel, which he described as a significant confidence building measure.
Mufti Sayeed also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for Centre’s support in construction of National Highway as well as in Railways, education, health and rural development sectors. He said with liberal funding the State government will accelerate developmental activities, particularly in these core sectors.
The Chief Minister also discussed with Narendra Modi the Agenda of the Alliance of the coalition government, in particular transfer of Dul Hasti and Uri Hydel Power Projects to the State. He also highlighted the need for restoring Srinagar-Jeddah flights via Dubai from the Srinagar International Airport.
Mufti Sayeed also underscored the need for urgent expansion of Jammu Airport for which the transfer of land held by the Army has to be expedited. He also requested for increase in the frequency of Srinagar-Leh air service.
Discussion was also held on vacation of Lower Khurbathong Plateau in Kargil for creating better civic facilities for the people. Besides, other matters pertaining to Ladakh and Jammu regions were also deliberated upon between the two leaders.
The issue of funding for carrying out the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure in unprecedented floods of September 2014 also figured in the talks.
Describing growing number of educated unemployed youth as a real challenge for the government, Mufti Sayeed sought active participation of the Central government agencies in absorbing the talented human resource of the state.
The Chief Minister informed the Prime Minister about various initiatives being taken by the state government to fully harness the winter tourism potential in the state. The issue of skill development and the revival and branding of fabled Handicraft of the state were also discussed during the meeting.
