Baig slams Article 370 abrogation, unveils ‘Greater Baramulla’ plan

Baramulla, Sep 22: Former deputy chief minister and independent candidate for Baramulla assembly constituency, Muzaffar Hussain Baig Sunday said that the abrogation of Article 370 did not yield any benefits for Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing media persons, Baig said that there was no harm in retaining the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

“I am against the removal of Article 370. There was no harm in retaining the constitutional provision that granted special status to J&K state,” he said.

Baig also unveiled his election manifesto for the Baramulla constituency which he said promises a revamp of town infrastructure with all-weather road connectivity, cable car system, and proper waste management system.

He said that 10 years ago he had a relationship with Baramulla for which he initiated a much-hyped project ‘Greater Baramulla’.

“Baramulla is not just a town, but a vast land. During my last tenure here, I formulated a project for the overall revamp of the town but due to some circumstances the project remained incomplete,” Baig said.

He said that he has contributed to the town with the creation of many parks, hospitals, and other health centres.

“We will upgrade the existing parks and establish new parks with separate parks for women and children,” Baig said.

He said a cable car facility would be established from Khadniyar to Hajibal.

“There are many issues faced by trade unions. People consider them thugs, but their true purpose is to come together to fight for their rights. Our manifesto will take care of their welfare as well,” Baig said.

He said that particular focus would be on establishing post-harvest fruit technologies.

“There is a need for cold storage in Kashmir and we will get it established here,” Baig said.

He said his manifesto also promises rehabilitation of disgruntled youth who were booked in certain cases decades ago.

“Now the same youth are peace-loving and we should think about their welfare as well. This issue has a mention in our manifesto,” Baig said.

He said that drug de-addiction centres would be established for the rehabilitation of youth who have fallen prey to this menace.