Srinagar, Nov 17(KNS): Kashmir Sewa Sangh (KSS) President and Founder, Firdous Baba, held a press conference today to address socio-economic challenges in downtown Srinagar.
Baba urged the government to grant special status or allocate a dedicated aid package to the region, which has faced prolonged neglect. He also called for better utilization of local resources, including agricultural land, and emphasized creating opportunities for women and youth.
The KSS appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a financial package of ?200 crore to address the issues of the downtown area. The organization expressed concerns over the perceived inaction of the local government and sought intervention at the national level.
Baba also demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into alleged corruption and resource mismanagement within the Waqf Board. Referring to Shahid Sayeed's book Waqf Bill 2024: Respect for Islam and Gift to Muslims, launched by Minority Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju, Baba highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in Waqf institutions.
The KSS announced several community-focused initiatives, including the establishment of a charitable hospital and a free coaching center to support competitive exam preparation for local youth, particularly women. Baba stated that these projects aim to improve access to education and healthcare while empowering the next generation.
The organization also outlined its broader focus areas, including education, sports, road safety, tourism, and the promotion of local artisans. It called for support from both the government and international stakeholders to aid these efforts.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Baba shared the organization’s plans to expand its activities to 32 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The initiative aims to create an international platform to advocate for Kashmir’s development and community welfare.
Baba announced a zero-tolerance policy toward individuals engaging in fraudulent activities under KSS's name. He assured the public that such individuals would face immediate dismissal.
Eliza Izhar, National Executive Member (Education), and Nasir Ali Khan, National Executive Member (Road Safety), highlighted concerns about education and road safety in Kashmir. Izhar pointed to inadequate facilities and a shortage of qualified staff in schools, urging the Education Ministry to prioritize these issues.
Khan emphasized the need for improved road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. He detailed KSS’s 150 awareness programs on road safety and called for increased attention to the safety of school children, urging the Lieutenant Governor to address transportation issues.
Both leaders also raised concerns about the misuse of Waqf properties, suggesting a comprehensive audit to ensure their proper utilization for community welfare. They proposed using these assets to address unemployment, drug abuse, and other critical social issues.
The press conference concluded with a call for public support and government accountability to achieve meaningful reform.(KNS)