The Diplomat Desk
Poonch: TDD,Senior BJP leader and Incharge returning officer for Poonch district, Pawan Sharma, addressing party workers following the election of BJP Mandal Presidents for District Poonch, exhorted them to work tirelessly and with dedication to convey the BJP’s message and the Prime Minister’s vision to the grassroots level, ensuring the party’s triumph in future elections and consolidating BJP’s position as the preeminent political force in Poonch.
He expressed gratitude for the support extended by the people of Poonch to the BJP during the recently held assembly elections, which led to a significant rise in the party’s vote share. Nevertheless, he stressed the importance of introspection to convert this support into electoral victories.
Discussing the future prospects of Poonch district, Sharma highlighted the significant untapped potential of religious tourism, urging the Jammu and Kashmir government to focus on its development. He pointed out the presence of world-renowned pilgrimage sites of various religions in the district, including Dashnami akhara, Nangali Sahib, Gurudwara Dherisab Chakan Da Bag, Ziarat Sain Baba Miran Sahib (Gunthrian), Ziarat of Chote Shah (Mendhar), Ram Kund, Lohar Devta Mandir, Baba Budha Amarnath, and Navgreh Mandir.
He pointed out that Poonch district also possesses considerable potential for eco and nature tourism, featuring majestic snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, meandering streams, lush forests, and historical monuments. Notable tourist attractions in the region include: Noori Chamb, Nandishool, Beram Galla, Dera Gali, Girjan Valley, Dhoks and Seven Lakes: Neel Sar, Bag Sar, Katoria Sar, Nandan Sar, Gunn Sar, Sukh Sar, and Kaldashni Sar (situated at an altitude of 12,000 feet)
Sharma stressed that the government should prioritize the development of infrastructure and all-weather road connectivity to these destinations, which he is convinced will have a profound impact on Poonch’s socio-economic landscape by providing employment opportunities for local youth.
Sharma highlighted the district’s strategic location as a border area and strongly requested the government to enhance the security grid in Poonch to ensure peace, stability, and the safety of its residents. He stressed the significance of robust security measures to facilitate development and tourism in the region.
He also stressed the smooth implementation of centrally sponsored schemes in sectors such as Jal Shakti, roads, and electricity in Poonch. He reiterated BJP’s pledge to improve the road network and attain rail connectivity in the region, which is currently under active consideration and expected to be realized soon.
Sharma acknowledged the BJP government’s accomplishment of granting ST status to the Pahari community, a long-pending demand and notable achievement.
Mandal Presidents who were elected for 19 Mandals of District Poonch include, Jugal Kishore for Urban Mandal Poonch, Jameel Ahmed Kohli for Poonch Rural, Tahir Mehmood Tahir for NSSB, Aurangzeb for Sathra, Tariq Ahmed for Mandi Sawjian, Mohd. Aslam for Kehnu-Arai, Ketan Bali for Jhulass, Maqsood Ahmed for Buffliaz, Majeed Malik for Draba, Sanjeev Sharma for Surankot, Tahir Ahmed khan for Gunthal, Mannan khan for Lassana, Mohd. Azad Qureshi for khanetar, Sanjeev Kumar Fancy for Mendhar, Sohrab Ahmed Bastami for Nard, Mohd. Iliyas for Kalaban/Chhatral, Moheem Khan for Mankote and Manawer hussain Khan for Balakote.TDD
