Usman Majid Criticizes Political Parties for Using Kashmir Issue as a Vote-Bait, Calls them ‘Non-entities’

Convener News Desk

Bandipora, September 08: Former Vice President JK Apni Party Usman Majid on Sunday lashed out at political parties in JK for leveraging the Kashmir Issue as a means to garner votes and stated that for the resolution of Kashmir issue, local representatives are non-entities.

Addressing a press conference in Bandipora to release his Manifesto for upcoming Polls, Majid asserted that the local representatives have been side-lined in any talks or decisions about Kashmir but political parties use this issue to divert attention of the people from their shortcomings and hide their failures on the development front.

He said since 1947 not a single local leader was consulted for any talks between India and Pakistan and I see nothing like that happening in future also. “So talking about resolution of Kashmir issue in elections is a farce and an attempt to hoodwink people,” he added.

Former Minister said he will not release a book of tall claims and promises  but an “Achievable Manifesto” to ensure development of Bandipora constituency.

The two-times legislator from Bandipora said he is seeking vote from the people of Bandipora keeping in view the past record of development of Bandipora.         He said Before 2002, Bandipora was a town struggling with backwardness and neglect, yearning for development and a better future.

“I Usman Majid brought about the transformation that Bandipora needed after my first election victory in 2002,” he said adding that Bandipora witnessed unprecedented infrastructure development and economic growth. Roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and other vital infrastructure projects initiated and completed, laying the foundation for a brighter future. He said the economic landscape was revitalized, with new opportunities transforming Bandipora into a beacon of progress in the region.

Usman Majid, who has previously served as an MLA and planning minister, recalled the transformation he initiated in Bandipora post-2002. “Bandipora was once a town mired in neglect and backwardness, but today it is a symbol of development,” Majid stated.

Majid emphasizes enhancing connectivity through a four-lane highway from Srinagar to Bandipora and introducing rail connectivity to the district. Additionally, projects like the Gurez-Bandipora and Ketson-Lolab tunnels, promise to improve access, particularly during harsh winters.

Majid pledges to strive for establishing a Government Medical College  besides improving healthcare services in villages and improving the infrastructure and staff strength of District Hospital Bandipora . He also promises establishment of a library with 24×7 access that will support aspiring students and researchers. He also promises to build an indoor stadium and develop playgrounds to foster local talent and sports culture among the youth.

To revitalize Bandipora’s economy, Majid proposes establishing a fruit mandi with cold storage facilities to support farmers. His manifesto also envisions creating an industrial estate and an IT park to attract private sector investments, thereby generating employment opportunities for the youth.

Majid advocated for vocational training to students and said that there is a dire need for switching over to market oriented skill courses in our colleges that will ensure more jobs. He said the current colleges and system of education is producing educated unemployed youth every year.

A key highlight of the manifesto is Majid’s  promise of focussing on promoting Bandipora as a major tourism destination. He promises to develop eco-friendly tourism infrastructure, enhance Wullar Lake’s ecological balance, and boost water sports and other recreational activities. He promised to develop a boulevard around Wullar Lake  and assured to build a world-class golf course along the banks of Wullar Lake.

Majid further  stressed the need to uplift socially disadvantaged castes (OBCs) and tribal communities, including Gujjars, Bakerwals, and Paharis, by improving educational, health, and road infrastructure. He also pledges to implement the Forest Rights Act to protect the rights of forest dwellers and combat any harassment they may face.

Majid’s manifesto also highlighted the importance of communal harmony, with a focus on preserving the cultural heritage of Kashmiri Pandits residing in Bandipora. He envisions building a cultural center in the district to honor local traditions, arts, and history.

As the elections approach, he called upon the people to stand by him once again, promising continued growth, stability, and prosperity. “Let us vote for progress, for a Bandipora that shines as a beacon of development,” Majid remarked.