Srinagar, March 12 (KNS): MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar has strongly demanded the upgradation of Sopore to a district, citing its historical significance and the neglect it has faced over the years. He also emphasized the need for urgent improvements in the education and healthcare sectors, which, despite their long-standing presence, have not seen the necessary development.
Speaking to KNS, Kar recalled that Sopore was once a Wazarat (administrative division) and among the oldest 81 tehsils. Out of these, 10 tehsils have now been granted district status, yet Sopore remains ignored, allegedly due to political reasons. "Despite having the status of a police district and an Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Sopore has been deprived of full district status, which has led to a lack of infrastructural development in key sectors," he stated.
Highlighting the Sopore's educational legacy, Kar noted that Sopore’s Boys School was established in 1901 and later became Boys High School. Similarly, the Girls School, founded in 1906, paved the way for higher education institutions. While other areas have witnessed the transformation of their educational institutions into cluster universities and colleges, Sopore’s education infrastructure has remained stagnant.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel"Our educational institutions, which should have been upgraded, are instead deteriorating," he lamented.
Kar also drew attention to the struggling healthcare system, stating that Sopore’s health infrastructure dates back to 1895, initiated by traditional healers and missionaries. The construction of the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Sopore was approved in 1984, and its foundation stone was laid in 2002, yet it remains incomplete. He pointed out that SDH Sopore has the highest patient footfall in North Kashmir, contributing 25 percent of referrals to the district hospital, yet it has not been upgraded to meet the growing demands.
Asserting his commitment to raising these issues, Kar expressed hope that justice would be served under Omar Abdullah’s government. "I have come to the Assembly to fight for these issues. I will continue to raise them, and I hope that we will finally get the justice that Sopore deserves," he affirmed. (KNS)