Jammu, Feb 17: National Conference MLA Irshad Rasool Kar on Tuesday said the people of Sopore can expect a “good news” within a year on their long-pending demand for a Mini Secretariat, asserting that the chief minister Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to decongesting the business hub.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener outside the Legislative Assembly, MLA Kar detailed the various developmental issues he raised in the House, ranging from infrastructure upgrade for Sopore’s fruit industry to revival of educational institutions in north Kashmir.
“Wait for a year. You will definitely get some good news. The Chief Minister has given directions for decongestion of Sopore town and the fruit mandi,” MLA Kar said when asked about the timeline for establishing a Mini Secretariat in the town.
Sopore, home to Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi, has been demanding a Mini Secretariat for years to shift government offices from the congested town centre. MLA Sopore said the town’s footfall, especially during the seven-to-eight-month fruit season, warrants such infrastructure.
“The Directorate of Health has written to the government that three hospitals in J&K have more footfall than district hospitals or GMCs. Among them, Sopore has the highest footfall,” he said, making a case for upgrading healthcare infrastructure as well.
The MLA also raised the demand for a separate district for Sopore, arguing that the town contributes significantly to the region’s economy. “Sopore has 6,000-7,000 shops, wholesalers, retailers. It is home to Asia’s second-largest fruit mandi and Asia’s second-largest freshwater lake. Our aqua business, fisheries, timber business—everything is generated from this area,” he said.
On the agriculture front, MLA Kar demanded investment in irrigation networks, including Nehrizangir, Lalkul, Nala-e-Nigli and Nala-e-Madamati, for timely benefit to farmers. He also sought specialised animal markets, a seed bank, and promotion of sericulture and fisheries.
Regarding the shifting of Forest College from Seqost to Ganderbal in 2007, Mr Kar avoided any controversy, saying, “We should not raise those issues. We should move ahead.” Instead, he pitched for a new industrial hub in north Kashmir spanning 1,000-2,000 acres to provide employment to youth.
On the regularization of daily wagers, MLA Kar expressed confidence in the NC-led government. “Omar Abdullah has already said in the budget that we will adjust them systematically. He has held meetings. Inshallah, in the coming years, the problems of economic stability will be solved,” he added.
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