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Kalash elites criticize minorities Minister

By Zahiruddin

CHITRAL: The Kalash elites from Bumburate and Rumbur valleys have demanded of the federal minister of minorities to abandon its policy of ignoring the Kalash valleys which need development funds for providing basic infrastructures of roads, drinking water, education and health. Talking to chitraltimes.com here on Monday, the Kalash leaders Katar Singh, Saiful Jan and Wazirzada Kalash said that although Kalash valleys are known for their tourism importance but no substantial amount of development work has ever been carried out in the valleys. They said that the people known for their primitive culture and ways of life are suffering from abject poverty and are eking out for their sustenance as poverty reigns supreme in the valley. Expressing their deep anguish over the indifference of the incumbent minister of minorities, they said that not a single penny has been spent for the amelioration of the people of Kalash valleys during the past two years. They asked the minister to pay heed to the plight of the Kalash people and change their destiny for better. Remembering the former minority MNA M.P. Bhandara, they said that he had rendered commendable services for the valleys and the people of the valleys held him in reverence even now. They regretted that many schemes initiated by the whilom parliamentarian are still incomplete in the sectors of communication, drinking water and education.. The Kalash elders proposed special initiatives for the promotion of tourism in the valleys which, they said, will provide employment opportunities to thousands of people in the valleys ultimately reducing poverty. Prioritizing the issues of the valleys, they mentioned all-weather road to the valleys and said that no road projects to the valleys have even launched in the three segregated valleys which pass through mountains and remain blocked after slight raining. They said that to exploit the fabulous tourism potential of the valleys, the roads must be given first priority.

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Chitral District received heavy snowfall

By Our Correspondent 

CHITRAL: The snowfall continued for the third consecutive day on Monday both in the plains and mountains of Chitral disrupting activities in various walks of life. The government offices and markets remained closed as the people remained confined within their homes while the roads leading to various distant valleys also remained blocked for vehicular traffic. Meanwhile DCO Chitral has announced to remain closed all educational institutions of district till February 15th.