Doda, February 7, KDC: Former Chief Minister and JKPDP President Mehbooba Mufti on Friday interacted with civil society members in Doda under the party’s Baat Cheet grassroots dialogue initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Mehbooba Mufti said the Chenab Valley has remained neglected for decades despite its immense human and natural potential. “The people of Chenab Valley deserve dignity, development, and equal opportunities,” she said.
She reiterated the demand for divisional status and a High Court division bench in the region to ensure better access to justice. Stressing the importance of connectivity, she said the Kapran–Dessa tunnel, Sudhmahadev–Mammat tunnel, and rail connectivity were essential for all-weather access and balanced regional development.
Highlighting the region’s tourism potential, Mehbooba Mufti called for planned and sustainable development through a Doda Development Authority to generate employment for local youth while safeguarding local interests.
On social infrastructure, she demanded the establishment of a Cluster University at Doda and urgent upgradation of education and health facilities. She also called for a women’s degree college and skill-based institutions to empower young women and make them job ready.
Raising concerns over natural resource management, Mehbooba Mufti said blue sapphire mining should be opened to the public under existing laws to ensure transparency and benefit local communities. She further stressed that power projects must prioritize local employment and utilise CSR funds for catchment area development and community welfare.
Concluding her address, she said the Baat Cheet initiative aims to rebuild trust through dialogue and ensure that voices from remote and marginalised regions like the Chenab Valley are reflected in policy making. (KDC)
