Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar on Wednesday alleged that the government had no policy viz a viz Srinagar city and the label of smart city has become a joke considering the dilapidation of infrastructure and civil amenities. Sagar castigated the incumbent government’s step motherly treatment towards Srinagar city. He said that PDP, whenever it has been in power has tried to erode the special status that the historical city has.
NC General Secretary also lambasted the PDP BJP government over its “interference in religious issues”. “Do you think people will forgive you for stopping prayers in Jamia Masjid for 48 consecutive weeks? Do you think people will forget that you imposed curfew on Eid and locked the doors of many masjids and dargahs?” he recounted. Recalling the contributions of Omar Abdullah led government Sagar said, “The amount of work proposed and executed in Srinagar city alone during Omar sbs regime is monumental and remains unparalleled till date. One can compile a book on the achievements of Omar government in Srinagar alone. Among other works, it was Omar sb who proposed 3 Km fly over connecting Jehangir chowk with Barzulla, Chanapora areas. During his tenure seven bridges were constructed in the city.
Jhelum beautification programme was initiated by Omar sb. A big network of public parks and marriage halls were established.” He said that the present government’s short sightedness can be gauged from the fact that instead of completing a bridge that could have eased the traffic plying on Abdullah Bridge, the government converted it into a foot bridge, that too within one kilometer distance of an existing foot bridge. “Who stopped work on Syed Mirak Shah Road that serves as a vital road link connecting Dalgate with Zakura thereby making various tourist spots easily accessible in the city?” Sagar questioned. Sagar, who was on a tour of Khanquahe Maula, Bulbul Shah, Nawa Kadal and other city areas , called for more attention towards their upgradation.
He said, the city was a mess as no development work was getting completed. Sagar said, “People will not forget when PDP proposed to shift states capital to Parihaspora. That shows its intent towards Srinagar but as they say people are the real masters. You cannot fool them. They will teach you a lesson in coming elections.”