Shopian, July 4: Syed Basharat Hussain, a dedicated socio-political activist, convened a pivotal meeting today with members of the Gujjar-Bakerwal Foundation in Shopian to tackle pressing community issues across various regions.
At the meeting were prominent figures including President Chaudhary Farooq Ahmad Bajad, Chaudhary Nizam Din, Secretary Chaudhary Mohammad Iqbal, and media advisor Nisar Ahmad Baniya. Together, they discussed the challenges voiced by residents from Chekipora, Cheki Saidpora, Devpora Tangmarg, Aharbal, Porihalan, Haripora, and Keller areas of Shopian.
Syed Basharat Hussain passionately addressed several critical issues affecting the community. He highlighted the severe impact of the recent electricity tariff hike, which has surged from Rs. 350 to Rs. 1500, placing an unbearable burden on impoverished families struggling to make ends meet.
Additionally, he shed light on the inadequate road infrastructure, emphasizing the challenges posed by non-macadamised link roads during harsh weather conditions, hindering daily life and economic activities in the region.
Turning to agricultural concerns, especially concerning small apple orchards, Syed Basharat stressed the urgent need for reliable water sources and proposed government-supported initiatives for installing solar pumps to promote sustainable farming practices.
The absence of proper drainage systems emerged as another critical issue. Basharat urged immediate governmental intervention to address this, citing the health and environmental risks faced by local residents.
Economic empowerment was also a focal point of the discussion. Basharat emphasized the necessity of creating substantial job opportunities tailored to the community’s needs, highlighting the importance of empowering youth and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
Expressing disappointment over unmet commitments, Basharat criticized the government’s failure to provide adequate sanitation facilities and household toilets. Despite assurances, many households continue to lack these basic amenities, adversely impacting public health and dignity.
In a move to enhance community safety and infrastructure, Basharat proposed the installation of solar-powered street lights around key areas such as mosques and sacred shrines. This initiative, he argued, would not only improve visibility but also foster a safer environment for all residents, especially during nighttime.
Syed Basharat Hussain’s proactive engagement with the Gujjar-Bakerwal Foundation underscores his commitment to advocating for meaningful change and addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by marginalized communities in Shopian.
