Srinagar,Nov 20 (KNS): Journalist, author, social and political activist, Hamid Rather has decided to join electoral fray as an independent candidate from Pattan in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Talking to The KNS, Hamid confirmed the rural development is something that has attracted me to DDC elections. He told The Newsletter that after a lot of discussions and deliberations he decided to contest DDC elections from Pattan as an independent candidate.

“I am not a politician neither I am interested to be one in future. DDC is providing an opportunity for development in rural areas that have remained neglected from last several decades. I have expertise in public administration and I think I can deliver what I believe in,” Hamid said.

Notably, Hamid has his done Masters in Public Administration, Journalism and Urdu. He is pursuing PhD in public policy, law and government too. He has also authored a book titled ‘Marginalization in Kashmir’ that was published in 2017.

Hamid is an entrepreneur too. He established a clothing and garments company with his brother in 2014, Will Egers Private Limited in Delhi.

“My agenda would mainly revolve around three things, make smart village, reduce rural-urban elite migration so that villages will also get some benefits from the social capital and empowering citizens to restore their rights and dignities,” Hamid said while divulging into his campaign details.

He said that he will explain through interviews and articles his "Model of rural development".

Hamid has requested people in general and people from Pattan DDC constituency to extend their support to him and vote for him in the upcoming elections.

“I will not disappoint you. I will live with you throughout life in village unlike the few who make money or fame then leave villages and settle in the cities,” Hamid said in his enthusiastic and passionate appeal.(KNS)