AIP to Take Up Pulwama-Shopian Railway Alignment Issue With Union Railway Minister
Srinagar, Dec 25: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Thursday expressed serious concern over the issues raised by residents of Babhara Kakapora, Naman, Monghama, Kangan, Ticken, Bellow, Nikas, Keegam, Nazneenpora, Trenz and adjoining areas in Pulwama and Shopian districts, who staged a peaceful protest against the proposed railway line passing through their area.
Inam Un Nabi said that AIP is not opposed to development, but emphasised that development must not come at the cost of snatching livelihoods, destroying apple orchards and fertile agricultural land or causing irreversible environmental damage. He said the concerns of farmers and orchardists regarding loss of land and income are genuine and cannot be brushed aside.
Urging the authorities to reconsider the alignment of the railway line, Inam Un Nabi called for exploration of alternative routes that minimise damage to orchards and farmlands. He also stressed the need for meaningful public consultation with affected residents before proceeding further with the project.
The AIP Chief Spokesperson announced that the party will take up the matter with the Union Railway Minister, seeking intervention to ensure that development proceeds in a manner that is fair, sustainable and sensitive to local livelihoods.
He said AIP will continue to stand with the affected residents and pursue the issue at appropriate forums until a just and balanced solution is reached.
