Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 8: Expressing dismay over successive NC and PDP regimes, Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone today alleged neglecting the historic Srinagar city and consequent economic and political disempowerment of the people in the urban centres, particularly Habba Kadal.
“The people of Habba Kadal have been pushed against the wall and are facing a reign of economic persecution. Habba Kadal has been grossly neglected and misgoverned in terms of developmental activities, augmentation of existing infrastructure and bereft of better road connectivity, regulation of water, electrical, medical, health and education networks.”, he said while addressing a function wherein some NC and PDP workers, led by Abid Bhat from Habba Kadal, joined Peoples Conference.
Sajad Lone said that the previous Governments have failed to formulate suitable administrative response for economically backward sections in urban centres. “Peoples’ Conference will ensure that the epidemic of unemployment and joblessness is addressed systemically and that Habba Kadal gets a deserving representation in the upcoming elections,” he added.
Lone recalled that as a Social Welfare Minister, he had mooted the ‘first of its kind’ 6 percent reservation bill for economically backward sections of the society, especially in urban centres. “The youth in these areas are not covered by any reservation category which puts them at a distinct disadvantage with their counterparts from the villages,” he said.
Requesting Governor Satya Pal Malik to grant assent to the Reservation Bill for Economically Backward, Sajad Gani Lone said that reservation for economically poor sections of the society is desperately required to make a difference to the plight of the urban poor who can hope to get their due share in Government jobs and admissions in professional colleges.
Urging the workers to work with commitment and zeal, Sajad Lone said that Peoples Conference is emerging as a strong and valiant pro-Kashmir and pro-people political alternative as the party has always been on the side of the oppressed. He asked the workers to serve the people selflessly to usher in an era of prosperity.
On the occasion, Abid Bhat was nominated as the PC Zonal president for Habba Kadal.