Banihal will be developed as economic power house of J&K: Azad

Banihal, Nov 16: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday said that Banihal will be developed as an economic power house of Jammu and Kashmir and its people will reap the dividends of tourism and agriculture sectors once he forms the government.

However, he said that elections in Jammu and Kashmir should be held without further delay since people repose faith in only electoral democracy and it has no substitute so far in the world. Azad said that it is only the people’s representative who can provide the governance to the people at door step instead of burucrates who are right now running the show.

“The people can approach their representative for their day to day issues. All of them can’t afford to knock the doors of officers and civil secretaria.,” he said while addressing a gathering of people at Neel, Banihal. The former chief minister said that it was during his tenure hospitals, roads and colleges were built in Banihal. “Prior to that the region was landlocked with dismal economic opportunities for its people. Since then the economy has grown and the jobs for its people have also risen due to which people are not forced to migrate for employment,” he said.

Azad said that once his party comes to power, the overall socioeconomic development will take place in the area since Banihal is close to his heart. “ I have a special place for you people in my heart and I assure you Banihal will be one of the emerging tourist hubs in entire Jammu and Kashmir. People should come here and spend their time that will give flip to local economy,” he said.

The DPAP chairman said that more colleges, hospitals will be provided to ease the health care facilities for its people since most of the people here cannot afford to travel long distances for the treatment purposes.

He said providing quality education to the people here is also one of his main aims to ensure the youth of Banihal can compete at national and international level.