Srinagar, Aug. 23 -- Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday expressed concern over the proposed alignment of the Baramulla-Uri railway line, which, as per the current plan, cuts through densely populated residential areas in Baramulla town and its adjoining colonies. Senior PDP leader and Baramulla district president Mohammad Rafique Rather said it is deeply unfortunate that a vast stretch of residential areas, including well-established colonies, is being put at risk in the name of development. "Residents from Jetty Khawajabagh, Sherwani Colony, Fatehpora, and other localities have been repeatedly voicing their fears about potential displacement, safety hazards, and environmental as well as noise pollution that this alignment will inevitably bring. Sadly, their appeals seem to have fallen on deaf ears," he said, adding that the party fully supports the genuine demand of the affected people for a realignment of the railway line to ensure residential areas are spared and disruption to lives and livelihoods is minimized. "While the railway project is important for connectivity and economic growth, development should never come at the cost of uprooting families or destroying established habitations, especially in prominent colonies like Jetty, Khawajabagh, Fatehpora, and Ushkara. If people are unwilling to dismantle their homes, no democratic government has the right to force them to do so," he said and urged the district administration, railway authorities, and the J&K government to immediately review the proposed alignment and explore alternative routes that avoid thickly populated areas. Rather urged the railway board to hold meaningful consultations with local representatives and affected residents before finalizing the alignment so that the project moves forward smoothly and in harmony with public interests....