By | Kamran Ashraf Bhat
Srinagar — The Jammu & Kashmir Assembly on Monday witnessed a heated exchange among lawmakers from District Kupwara over the relocation of a proposed medical college, after the originally designated site was declared a flood-prone area.
Raising the issue, Handwara MLA Sajad Lone questioned the government on why no significant progress had been made so far to find a safer location for the project.
Responding to the query, Health Minister Sakina Itoo assured the House that the government is actively exploring suitable alternatives to relocate the medical college to a secure site.
Adding to the discussion, Trehgam MLA Mir Saifullah suggested that the medical college should be built at a location accessible to both Handwara and Kupwara residents. However, this proposal triggered strong objections from Sajad Lone, leading to a tense verbal exchange between the two lawmakers.
Langate MLA also joined the debate, questioning the government’s delay in moving the project forward.
As tensions escalated, Kupwara MLA Mir Fayaz called for calm and urged fellow legislators to maintain decorum. He further advised Minister Sakina Itoo to consider a location that would serve the interests of both Handwara and Kupwara populations.
In a sharp response to Sajad Lone’s repeated objections, Minister Itoo challenged him to guarantee that the original site would no longer pose any flood risks. “If you can assure there will be no flood threats, I can have the college built there in no time,” she asserted.
She also questioned Lone’s political stance, asking, “Where were you when the previous administration was moving ahead with construction? Why raise objections now and blame the National Conference?”
Minister Itoo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making a decision that serves public interest and ensures the safety and accessibility of all communities involved.
