Srinagar, Mar 25 (KNS): Former bureaucrat Farooq Shah who recently joined National Conference (NC) today said that he gave up his chair for the betterment of his constituency (Gulmarg) and for the better future of the youth of his area.

As per Kashmir News Service (KNS) correspondent, addressing a rally in Kunzer area of Tangmarg, Shah said the Gulmarg was once a strong forte of NC, but with time its local leaders were harassed and forced to switch sides.

Without naming anyone, Shah said the environment of fear was created in this area by the politicians. “People used to have sleepless nights and continuous fear. Now those days have gone. Those people will lose their deposits in the upcoming polls. People want change,” Shah said.

He said even in 2019, this constituency and its people are still aspiring for sadak, bijli and paani. “This constituency should not have backward. We had two crowns Gulmarg and Baba Reshi...but we are still lagging behind because of the politicians who exploited this constituency,” he said.

Shah said, “I will do honest politics...I won’t do dirty politics like others who did it here. In the name of casual jobs people were deceived. Those people are still without salaries even after 6 years. Once we (NC) form the government power, we will frame a job policy for youths.”

Shah said Gulmarg is a vast constituency but it is still underdeveloped. “Its roads are in shambles. Electric wires are still hooked with dilapidated wooden logs and trees. People still fetch water from streams, which is not good for health.

I left my chair for the future of my people. People want change here, he added. (KNS)