Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, July 9: Pitching for equitable representation to all the sections of society and all geographical areas, former minister and PCC vice president, GM Saroori today said that if Nubra and Gurez with less than 20,000 population qualify for separate assembly constituency, why Padder, Warwan- Marwah are being ignored.
Talking to reporters at Kishtwar, after meeting with Delimitation Commission the other day, Saroori said that Nubra valley was a constituency with just 11,000 votes. Similarly, in Kashmir is a constituency with less than 20,000 votes but despite geographical disadvantages Padder, Warwan, Marwah being discriminated while the fact of matter is these regions have above 25,000 population and very tough terrain.
Saroori further said that the entire area of Kishtwar, erstwhile Doda district is more than Kashmir but doesn’t understand the logic behind denying political representation to remote Padder, Marwah-Dacchan. He said the entire Chenab belt is still undeveloped and lacks Primary Health Centers (PHCs), hospitals, educational institutions, which would only be developed through political representation. He stressed for a Medical College at Kishtwar.
“Our children have to walk for 15 kilometers to go to Higher Secondary School while schools are opened at door steps in other constituencies. This will continue until and unless we will not get political representation,” Saroori said adding that “Delimitation Commission should recommend three assembly segments and that too with geographical aspects for Kishtwar.
Saroori also pitched for separate Parliamentary seat for Chenab region (Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts) which is presently being represented in Kathua-Udhampur-Doda seat, comprising Kathua, parts of Samba, Reasi, Udhampur and three districts of Chenab valley.
Apprehending the fraud, Saroori opposed the idea of 9 nominated seats by Lieutenant Governor. He termed the nomination as undemocratic. Saroori said though delimitation was supposed to be held in 2026, we don’t know the reason for early delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir.
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