Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 22: Former Deputy Chief Minister and independent candidate for Baramulla constituency, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, today said that the abrogation of Article 370 has not brought any significant benefits to Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Baramulla, Baig said that there was no tangible harm in retaining the constitutional provision that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The former DCM contesting the Assembly election as an independent candidate, also released his manifesto for the Baramulla constituency. He promised to revamp town infrastructure, including all-weather road connectivity, recreation centers, health facilities, and waste management systems.
Baig highlighted his long-standing connection to Baramulla and his vision for improving infrastructure and public services. “I proposed the ‘Greater Baramulla Project,’ a large-scale initiative, 10 years ago to transform Baramulla,” he said. He explained that his inspiration for the project came when he was in the 8th grade, observing the neglected areas around local shrines. “Baramulla is not just a city; it is vast land,” he said, adding that he initiated the project by building a market and several parks.
The project’s main goal, according to Baig, was to improve Baramulla’s basic infrastructure, particularly its roads, which suffer from seasonal issues due to the region’s varying climates. “We have four types of seasons and four types of road problems,” he said. He emphasized the importance of well-maintained public spaces for community functions and advocated for a reliable fruit and vegetable market with cold storage facilities to prevent spoilage. “This is more necessary in Jammu and Kashmir than even Shimla,” he said.
Health infrastructure was another priority, with the candidate pushing for health centers in every neighborhood. He also proposed a footbridge between Khanpura and Jalshiri to boost local tourism and suggested a cable car system from Khadriyar to Hajibal. Baig called for vocational training programs in trades like carpet making and shawl crafting to help young people find peaceful livelihoods. He also urged rehabilitation for those affected by conflict and pressed the government to expedite court cases that have kept individuals in jail for years.
He stressed the importance of cleanliness, environmental preservation, and addressing drug addiction among youth. He urged the media to hold power accountable as the “fourth state,” alongside the judiciary, legislature, and executive.
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