Madwan: Residents and traders of several villages of Sonawari division in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district demand a branch of Jammu & Kashmir Bank in the area.

The locals from Madwan, Gund Prang and Mukhdamyari villages told Kashmir Reader that the authorities had earlier assured them of opening a new branch in their area but nothing was done on ground

“We are facing tremendous hardships in the absence of JK Bank branch in the area. We are being forced to cover a long distance to reach bank branches in Hajin, Sadunara, which consumes a lot of time and money.” Rather Razia, a sarpanch, told Kashmir Reader.

She said that locals are forced to go to the main town Hajjn,Sadunara to withdraw money from bank or ATMs.

The sarpanch said there are hospitals, schools, businesses, and others who need a banking facility but are being deprived of it despite repeated requests. “Despite all the formalities submitted at the district headquarters three years ago, nothing has been done so far,” she said.

Another local, Mushtaq Ahmad, said that their request for a branch of J&K Bank has been pending for several years. He said that their area with a population of 16,000 is without a bank branch due to which they had to face many difficulties.

The traders of the area said that they are facing tremendous problems in the absence of bank branch here. They demanded that the authorities should establish a bank branch in the area, so that they can avail of the benefits of the facility.

The locals have appealed to the LG Manoj Sinha and the district administration to look into the matter on a priority basis.

GOWHAR MAQBOOL