Wahid Rafiqi
BANDIPORA, JUNE 4: Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister for Health and Education, Sikana Itoo, on Wednesday said that the upcoming inauguration of the Udhampur-Baramulla railway link by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be a transformative moment for Kashmir, significantly enhancing trade and reducing travel time.
Speaking during her visit to Bandipora, Itoo termed the railway project a “game changer” for the region. “The Udhampur-Baramulla railway connectivity will boost Kashmir’s economy by improving access and mobility. It will cut down travel time drastically and promote trade and tourism,” she said.
Responding to former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s recent remarks on the condition of Kashmiri Pandits, Itoo accused her of political opportunism. “Whatever problems Kashmiri people are facing today are the result of her so-called goodwill. She should recall her own statements about milk and toffee before questioning others,” she said, in reference to Mehbooba’s past controversial remarks.
Itoo added that the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government has repeatedly raised the issue of return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Assembly. “We are committed to their dignified return,” she said.
During the visit, Itoo also interacted with students at a local college and assured them that their grievances would be addressed at the earliest. She reiterated the government’s focus on strengthening the health and education sectors.
“Omar Sahib’s government is giving top priority to healthcare and education. We are working on closing the gaps in these sectors so that people do not continue to suffer,” the minister said.
Sikana Itoo is on a one-day tour of Bandipora to review developmental progress in key public service sectors.
