Budgam, Aug 07 (KNS): People's Democratic Front (PDF) Chairman and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Thursday welcomed the initiative of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for providing government jobs to the Next of Kin (NoK) of terrorism victims in Jammu and Kashmir.

He lauded the government’s efforts to acknowledge the sufferings of families affected by terrorism but emphasized that more needs to be done.

Addressing a one-day party convention at Kralnewa in the Khansahib constituency of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, Hakeem Yaseen said, “While the LG’s move to provide jobs to families of terror victims commendable, I strongly urge the administration to also consider the cases of those who lost their lives in cross-firing incidents and whose identities were never claimed," he said.

Hakeem said that many such individuals have remained unnoticed and their families continue to suffer in silence. A proper verification mechanism should be established so that these affected families are also given employment opportunities and relief, he said.

Highlighting local concerns, Yaseen demanded that mineral extraction contracts should be allotted to local unemployed youth, not outside contractors.

“The natural resources of the region should benefit the people who belong to it. Local youth must be given priority in mineral and sand extraction contracts. It will not only boost livelihoods but also reduce unemployment in rural pockets,” he said.

Hakeem further appealed for the revocation of restrictions on prominent tourist destinations in Budgam, including Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, and Tosamaidan, asserting that such bans have affected the tourism-driven economy and snatched the livelihood of thousands of families who depend on tourism and related services.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“The LG has assured that the restrictions will be lifted soon. We hope the promise is implemented on a fast track basis. The revival of tourism in these areas will open multiple avenues for self-employment, hotel industry, pony services, transport, and handicrafts,” he said.

The former Minister also welcomed recent youth joinings into the People's Democratic Front, saying it was a sign of growing public faith in grassroots leadership and developmental politics.

“The youth are realizing the need for regional voices to raise and protect local interests. We are committed to providing a platform for young leadership,” he added.

Raising another public concern, Yaseen criticized the government’s recent amnesty scheme for power, stating that it lacked sufficient coverage for the poor.

“The announced amnesty scheme is welcome but insufficient. The government must consider waiving off pending electricity bills completely for economically weaker families as part of the relief program. Poor people cannot afford to pay accumulated dues in lump sum,” he said.

He called for broader reforms and people-centric governance to address unemployment, inflation, and rural distress.

“Budgam has always been peaceful and progressive. Our demands are not political but humanitarian people want jobs, electricity, roads, and dignity. We hope the administration will act proactively,” Hakeem Yaseen concluded.

A large number of locals, including youth and senior citizens, participated in the convention and several individuals joined the PDF, vowing to work for the betterment of the region under Hakeem Yaseen’s leadership(KNS)