“Livelihood Over Development”: Iltija Mufti Leads Protest Against Railway Line in Kashmir
Anantnag, Dec 21: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti voiced strong opposition to the proposed railway line in the Liver village of Anantnag, citing its adverse impact on the livelihoods of local residents. Speaking at the village panchayat, Mufti criticized the Jammu and Kashmir administration for prioritizing development projects that come at the expense of the region’s environmental and economic sustainability.
“Development that costs people their livelihoods is not acceptable,” Mufti declared. She emphasized that the residents of the area are not against progress but demand that it should not undermine their primary sources of income, such as horticulture. “The losses caused by this project far outweigh the gains,” she remarked, pointing to the orchards and forests that would be disrupted by the proposed railway line.
During her visit, Mufti recounted a poignant interaction with an 80-year-old widow who depends entirely on her small piece of land for sustenance. Highlighting the plight of such individuals, she said, “Horticulture is the backbone of this region. Many have taken loans to cultivate apple and walnut trees. If you snatch away their livelihoods, how will they survive?”
Mufti also underscored the larger issue of unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir. “With no significant private sector and limited government job opportunities, horticulture remains a vital source of income for many families. By disrupting this, the government is exacerbating an already dire economic situation,” she stated.
Raising environmental concerns, she cautioned against the ecological damage such projects could inflict on the fragile ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir. “The region’s environmental vulnerability is well-known. We cannot allow development projects to jeopardize our natural resources and ecological balance,” she added.
Rejecting the proposed railway line outright, Mufti vowed that the PDP would continue to oppose any project that threatens the livelihoods and environment of the people. Surrounded by PDP supporters chanting slogans like “Take back the railway project,” Mufti concluded, “This railway line cannot and will not be accepted under any circumstances.”
