Srinagar, April 12 -- The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Saturday celebrated the sanctioning of the historical tunnel between Machil and Kupwara. The locals welcomed the AIP delegation in Machil, one of the remote areas in north Kashmir which remains cut off with the rest of J&K for five to six months and is located right on the LoC. The AIP said that the visit came in the backdrop of a long-awaited milestone, the sanctioning of a tunnel to Machil, a dream cherished by the people since Independence, now turning into reality under the leadership of Member of Parliament Er Rashid. AIP chief spokesman Inam Un Nabi said that despite being lodged in the Tihar jail and attending Parliament under difficult circumstances, even bearing expenses of nearly Rs.1.5 lakh per appearance, Er Rashid has continued to work tirelessly for his constituency. "The approval of the Machil tunnel stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment towards public welfare, even in the face of personal hardship," he said. "Despite incarceration, he is leaving no stone unturned in addressing the aspirations of the people," he added. He also announced that several other demands have been approved, including the fencing of the Higher Secondary School and the construction of a road from Ring Payeen to Ring Balla. htc...