Awantipora, Jun 05 (KNO): A political war of words erupted over the prestigious AIIMS Awantipora project on Friday after Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti visited the under-construction institute and described it as the realization of a dream envisioned by her late father.
During her visit to the AIIMS site in Awantipora, Mehbooba Mufti, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), expressed satisfaction over the pace of construction and said the institute would emerge as a landmark healthcare facility for the entire Union Territory.
“I am delighted to visit the site here in Awantipora where the AIIMS is being constructed. This was a dream of my father,” Mehbooba said while speaking to reporters at the site.
She acknowledged that the project had witnessed delays over the years due to various reasons but noted that construction work was now moving ahead steadily.
“Although there were some delays, the work is now progressing well. I have assured the team that I will provide whatever support is needed, even if it means taking up the matter with the Union Health Minister,” she said.
The PDP chief said AIIMS Awantipora would become a model healthcare and medical education institution not only for Kashmir but for the entire Jammu and Kashmir region.
“This institute will serve as a model for the whole region. The location itself is stunning and peaceful. I believe patients coming here will experience a sense of comfort and well-being in such an environment,” she added
The visit, however, drew a sharp response from Health Minister Sakina Itoo, who questioned the purpose and authority under which former rulers were conducting reviews of government projects.
In a post on X, Itoo, without naming Mehooba Mufti, said some political leaders appeared to be suffering from “political amnesia” and continued to behave as though they were still in power despite being out of office since 2018.
“Some people seem to be suffering from political amnesia. They still behave as if they are in power, even though they lost office in 2018 and have since been repeatedly rejected by the people,” she said.
The minister emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir currently has an elected government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and questioned in what capacity former rulers were reviewing the AIIMS project.
“The elected government today is led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. One wonders in what capacity former rulers are conducting reviews of the AIIMS Awantipora project and who is signalling them to undertake such exercises,” she said.
Itoo further alleged that those now attempting to claim ownership of the project were responsible for slowing its progress in the past.
“It is ironic that those because of whom the AIIMS project moved at a painfully slow pace are now trying to claim ownership of its progress,” she said.
The Health Minister maintained that the project was advancing towards completion because of the present administration’s continuous monitoring and commitment.
“The project is moving towards completion because of the focused efforts, monitoring and commitment of the present government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah,” she added.
Stressing that people were aware of the facts surrounding the project, Itoo said the public could clearly distinguish between those who delayed development initiatives and those working to ensure their completion.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir are wise enough to distinguish between those who delayed development and those who are ensuring its delivery,” the minister said—(KNO)