Health Minister Itoo takes stock of Muharram arrangements in Kulgam

Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Saturday visited Imam Baras at Shahoo in Kulgam and took stock of arrangements for the 10th Muharram.

A spokesperson said that during her visit, Sakeena engaged with local community members, religious leaders and residents to understand their concerns and ensure that necessary arrangements were in place for the smooth and peaceful observance of Ashura. She emphasised the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the occasion and assured full support in addressing any logistical or administrative issues.

The Minister highlighted that Muharram holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Muslim community and stated, “It is our collective responsibility to provide an environment of dignity, safety and comfort to the mourners.”

She directed officers to deploy adequate manpower from the health department along the routes of Muharram processions for the facilitation of mourners. She also directed concerned authorities to coordinate closely with local committees to meet the requirements of the devotees, such as proper lighting, drinking water, medical aid and traffic regulation.

The Chief Medical Officer, Executive Engineers of various wings, District and Sectoral officers of all the line departments, and other concerned officers accompanied the Minister during the visit.

Sakeena Itoo also visited the Nadimarg area of Kulgam and held a Public Darbar to address genuine public issues and take stock of their developmental needs. Addressing a public gathering on the occasion, the Minister emphasised the importance of responsive administration and assured that all genuine grievances would be taken up with the concerned departments for time-bound resolution. “Our aim is to ensure that no voice from the remotest corners goes unheard. Nadimarg and all its adjacent areas deserve the same attention and developmental thrust as any urban centre,” she stated.

The Minister highlighted that the NC government is committed to addressing the developmental needs and other issues of the public. She further highlighted that the government has strengthened its public grievance redressal mechanism and a dedicated office, Raabta, has been established at the Chief Minister’s residence to address genuine issues and problems of the public. She also highlighted that the government is focusing on better infrastructure, employment avenues for local youth, and improved implementation of government welfare schemes.

During the Public Darbar, Sakeena Itoo interacted with local residents, listened to their pressing issues and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equitable development and inclusive governance. The locals on the occasion raised various issues, including poor road connectivity, irregular electricity supply, scarcity of drinking water, and the need for better healthcare and education facilities in the region.

J & K