Iltija Mufti protests proposed Bijbehara-Pahalgam rail line, warns of livelihood loss

Anantnag, Jan 22: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Thursday led a protest against the proposed Bijbehara–Pahalgam rail line, warning that the project would deprive thousands of farmers of their livelihoods and cause irreversible damage to the fragile ecosystem of south Kashmir.

The protest was held at Wulurhama village in Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, one of several villages likely to be affected by the proposed railway alignment.

The junior Mufti was joined by residents from nearby villages, many of whom said their orchards, paddy fields and homes fall along the proposed route.

“On the one hand the government talks about improving connectivity, and on the other it is taking away the only source of income of the people,” Mufti said. “We are not against development, but this rail line is going to destroy fertile agricultural land. When you snatch people’s livelihood, where do you expect them to go?”

Mufti said agriculture and horticulture form the backbone of Kashmir’s economy and warned that large-scale land acquisition would further worsen unemployment in the region.

“Jammu and Kashmir is already grappling with a serious unemployment crisis – touching 39 percent after the abrogation of special status in 2019. Farmers and orchardists are barely surviving. At least allow villagers to earn their living from their land,” she said.

According to Mufti, the proposed rail line passes through several villages, including Wulurhama, Dirhama, Adlach, Joibal-Veeri, Trail, Hanumanpora and several others, cutting across orchards, paddy fields and residential areas.

She said residents have lost their peace of mind and remain uncertain about their future.

“Authorities have already conducted surveys and erected yellow marker poles in many villages along the Bijbehara–Pahalgam road,” she said. “People were never consulted. How is this logical?”

Mufti also raised serious environmental concerns, saying the project would add pressure on an already ecologically sensitive region.

“Jammu and Kashmir is an ecologically fragile area. We are witnessing changing weather patterns and a decline in snowfall even during peak winter,” she said. “If this project goes ahead, it will further destabilize the environment and could lead to landslides and other disasters.”

She urged the central government and railway authorities to engage with local communities and explore alternative routes that do not involve the acquisition of fertile agricultural land.

“We are not opposing development,” Junior Mufti said. “But development should not come at the cost of people’s livelihoods and the environment. There must be a humane and sustainable approach.”

Junior Mufti said the PDP would take up the issue with the Railway Ministry and seek a review of the proposed alignment.

She also criticized the ruling National Conference (NC) government for what she termed its silence on issues affecting locals.

“The government has failed to speak up on matters that directly impact the lives of the people,” she said.