MLA speaks: Sopore MLA vows to secure district status and boost local economy

Newly elected Member of Sopore Legislative Assembly Irshad Rasool Kar outlined his key priorities for the constituency in an interview with Rising Kashmir on Friday. Carr stressed the need to improve municipal infrastructure, increase employment opportunities for young people and secure Sopore’s regional status, which he believed would help resolve long-pending issues in the region.
Talking about the lack of development in Sopore over the past decade, Khar expressed concern over deficiencies in health, education and employment. “Sopore has been neglected for the past decade and it is time we focus on improving health services, education infrastructure and creating jobs for young people,” Carr said.
One of Carr’s main objectives was to secure Sopore’s regional status because of its large catchment area and historical significance. “People have to travel long distances to Baramulla for administrative work. Granting district status to Sopore will make governance more accessible to the people,” he added.
Kar also plans to promote the upgradation of Fruit Mandi and its surrounding areas. He suggested declaring the area as a dedicated horticulture belt extending up to Sangrama. “Restoring Sangrama railway station (downgraded in 2016) to its full status will streamline activities at Fruit Mandi and boost the local economy, providing livelihood to hundreds of people,” Kar explained.
In addition to economic development, Carr also stressed the importance of preserving Sopore’s historical and cultural heritage. “We plan to restore the town’s historical status, dating back to the days of the Budshah Sultanate, and connect Jamia Masjid Sopore with Watlab Ghat via Bund Road. This will bring Sopore into Kashmir’s tourist circuit,” he said. Carr also pledged to focus on the renovation of old buildings and preserving the town’s architectural heritage.
Another issue Ka vowed to address is the town’s ongoing solid waste disposal issues. “Solid waste disposal has been a major issue in Sopore for many years. We will work hard to find long-term solutions to this crisis and ensure a cleaner and more sustainable environment for our people.”
Kar also highlighted several development initiatives underway in the constituency. Nigli Sopore is currently developing an eco-park with a budget of Rs 5 crore. Additionally, the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to solve drinking water problems in the region, is expected to be completed in the next one to two years.
Reflecting on his electoral victory, Kahl noted that he received 26,783 votes, defeating Mursaline Agil by 20,220 votes and ending the tenure of two-term MP Haji Abdul Rashid Haji Abdul Rashid Dar, who received only 5,127 votes. Khar assured that the promises made by the National Conference during the campaign aimed at the welfare and prosperity of the people will be fulfilled.
“Our focus remains on the welfare and development of the people of Sopore and ensuring peace and prosperity in Kashmir,” he said.