Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Apr 8: Apni Party leader and former minister, Choudhary Zulfkar Ali has demanded the opening of Mughal Road.
In a statement issued to the press, the Zulfkar said that it was unfortunate that the concerned authorities who were responsible to keep the historic alternative road to Kashmir keep it operational have failed to do so.
“The Mughal Road which was supposed to open in the first week of March is still closed and the people are not allowed to travel on the road which connects Pirpanjal region with Kashmir Valley,” he said.
Ali further said that hundreds of people travel from one region to another for a health checkups, education purposes, tourism, trade and for other purposes.
“The people in Pirpanjal Region are the worst sufferers as many of them go to SKIMS Srinagar for medical checkups, and employees from Rajouri and Poonch have been posted in parts of Kashmir,” he said.
Zulfkar further said that many students from this region study in various educational institutions including Universities of Kashmir but they face inconvenience due to closure of the road. He said that the authorities should know that their delaying practice has affected hundreds of lives.
“As the authorities have pushed the people to unnecessary harassment due to the closure of the road, the LG J&K should personally look into the issue and concerned authorities should be pull up for their irresponsible approach towards the genuine demand of the people,” he added.
He said that the Mughal Road should be made all weather and kept open throughout the year even during harsh weather conditions by taking all precautionary measures.
Zulfkar said a tunnel was approved for its construction on the Mughal Road, however, the construction work for the tunnel on the said road is yet to be initiated. It shows how the authorities are serious about such an important tunnel that would make it operational even during heavy snowfall.
He said Mughal Road provides opportunity for economic growth, promotion of tourism and exploration of more tourism spots as the region has huge potential for tourism that can also generate employment.
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