Srinagar, Dec 19 (KNS): Observing that people of Jammu and Kashmir were aghast and shell shocked over the recent decision of the government to permit conversion of agriculture land for non agriculture activities, Chairman People's Democratic Front (PDF) Hakeem Yaseen has urged both Central and JK Union Territory governments to roll back the decision immediately. He said conversion of agriculture land for non agriculture would serve the interests of Corporate and real estate sectors only, adding that the decision was bound to ruin the economy and food security of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing one day convention of party workers and office bearers of Chadoora and Chrari Sharif tehsils of Central district of Budgam, Hakeem Yaseen while voicing his concern over the move of the government to allow conversion of agriculture land for non-agriculture purposes, said that the decision has created many doubts among the people of Jammu and Kashmir about safety of their future. "These amendments are seen not only "against the interests of people of Jammu and Kashmir" but "undemocratic, unconstitutional and a ploy to disempower them" senior leader observed. He said the change in land use would put whole Kashmir at sale. 

Hakeem Yaseen said that change in land use was a major policy decision, which should be left exclusive for the new elected popular government as it has a direct bearing with the future of Jammu and Kashmir. He has urged the Centre and JK union territory governments not rush one after another controversial decisions and amendments which can prove counterproductive for the overall interests of the country. He said people of Jammu and Kashmir were already feeling alienated and neglected due to repeated betrayals adding that new arbitrary decisions against thier will and aspirations would only add to the prevailing mistrust.

PDF Chairman has also sought personal attention of the LG Manoj Sinha towards the lack of basic facilities and developmental needs in the historical Chrari sharief town, housing the mausoleum of most reverred Sofi saint Hazrat Shiekh Noor-Din-Wali (RA). He has urged the LG administration to provide special funds to complete reconstruction of the shrine and town on war footing basis, which was lingering on since last about 20 years. He said the shrine is being visited by thousands of devotees on daily basis who should be provided adequate facilities to enable them pay thier obesience at the shrine without any difficulty. He has demanded that Chrari sharief town should be promoted as a major pilgrim tourist destination. He has also sought development of Yusmarg and Neelnag tourist destinations in the close proximity of Chrari sharief town. "Both these breathtaking tourist destinations of historical significance have become the victim of the official apathy," Hakeem Yaseen maintained. He has urged the LG to provide special grants for development of Yusmarg and Neelnag on modern lines. He said most of the Kandi areas in Budgam are backward and under developed despite the district being very nearer to the Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. He has urged the government to improve drinking water, electricity, health and road network facilities in various areas of Budgam district especially in Kandi and far flung areas, which have remained hitherto neglected. (KNS)