Budgam, Sept 17 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday struck a conciliatory note while responding to MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi’s recent remarks, saying that politics is a “vast field” where senior leaders are free to express their views.
Addressing reporters in Budgam, Rather was asked about Ruhullah’s comment that people were asked to vote for Article 370 and not just for statehood. Rather replied, “Why don’t you ask Ruhullah again? Aga Sahab is a senior leader; who can stop him from speaking? He is free to express his views.”
Reflecting on the larger political landscape, the Speaker said that if Jammu and Kashmir had regained statehood earlier, the region would not be facing the current hardships. However, he expressed optimism, adding, “InshaAllah, that will also come.”
On the issue of highway blockades disrupting daily life and trade, Rather cited a video conference held a day earlier between the Chief Minister and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, assuring that NH-44 will be restored within two days.
He further noted that the Mughal Road is already open and traffic movement has partially resumed on the national highway.
Acknowledging the economic strain on the horticulture sector due to transport disruptions, the Speaker assured that the concerns of fruit growers and traders would be addressed “very soon.”
The Speaker’s remarks highlighted both the freedom of internal political expression within the NC and the government’s efforts to stabilize crucial connectivity routes, at a time when public patience is running thin over repeated disruptions.
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