Poonch/Jammu, Apr 27: PDP President Mehbooba Mufti emphasized on Saturday that people, regardless of their religious or regional backgrounds, must unite and voice their grievances collectively for their redressal. Currently undertaking a week-long tour of Poonch and Rajouri districts, Mufti addressed a roadshow in Poonch town amidst heavy rainfall.
The border districts of Poonch and Rajouri are integral parts of the Anantnag parliamentary constituency, slated for polls in the third phase on May 7, with 21 candidates vying for victory, including Peoples Democratic Party’s Mehbooba and National Conference leader Mian Altaf.
Having traversed through Bufliaz in Poonch via the Mughal road—an alternate link connecting border districts in the Jammu region with south Kashmir’s Shopian district—Mufti conducted roadshows in Surankote and Mendhar before arriving in Poonch city.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception across diverse sections of society including Paharis, Gujjars, Hindus, and Muslims, Mufti stressed her role in unifying people rather than dividing them. Despite the rain interrupting her address, she underscored the collective impact of addressing issues, noting that everyone is affected in times of adversity and benefits in times of prosperity.
Mufti highlighted the broader concerns beyond infrastructure, particularly unemployment, post the 2019 developments following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories. Soliciting voter support, she acknowledged the demands of Poonch residents, promising to advocate for a medical college, rail link extension, and the completion of the Parnai hydro-electric project.
While acknowledging that she isn’t the Chief Minister to make immediate decisions, Mufti pledged to prioritize constituents’ needs if elected, utilizing the MP local area development fund to address local concerns without making false promises.
