Anger in Gulmarg as Mir failed to deliver: Shah

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Sept 28: National Conference candidate from north Kashmir’s Gulmarg segment, Farooq Ahmad Shah, today said that there is anger against his opponent and former Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir in the constituency as he has failed to deliver on the ground.
In an interview with Excelsior, Shah said Mir, despite claiming to have done everything for the constituency, has failed to deliver on the ground, resulting in public anger against him.
He said that people have been betrayed in the past and assured that he will ensure the constituency becomes one of the best in Kashmir.
“The people of Gulmarg have been betrayed in the past. The ex-Minister, who was voted in, did nothing for the people, especially the youth. That’s why people are angry. They want me to succeed so this area can finally see development,” he said.
Shah pointed to the large turnout at his roadshow, which included MP Agha Ruhullah Mehdi, as a sign of the support and love the people are showing for the NC.
“They are confident that I will develop this area and solve the issues they are facing. Those who claim to have worked here should name some achievements. This constituency received nothing special or extraordinary,” he added.
Shah criticized those claiming to have delivered, saying they only talk about providing drinking water and electricity.
“But that’s a basic right. Real development would have meant initiatives like Greater Gulmarg, or setting up an ITI or a nursing school. None of that has happened,” he said.
He also noted that the majority of youth support NC, and they will be the ones to drive change. “I am confident, and after the elections, a new era of development will begin in this constituency,” he said.
Shah added that people want NC to lead the development of Jammu and Kashmir, and his opponent will face real competition on October 8, the result day. “He (Gh Hassan Mir) will see the competition on October 8. He will even lose his security deposit.”
Listing his top priorities, Shah said, “If elected, I will focus on employment, Greater Gulmarg, development of the horticulture and handicrafts sectors, and addressing the basic issues people are facing. This constituency should become one of the best in Kashmir.”