Slam govt’s ‘indifference despite repeated pleas’
HAJIN: Anguished residents of Bakshibal village in the Hajin area of Bandipora district have accused the government of turning a blind eye to their long-pending demand for a footbridge across the Jhelum.
They said repeated pleas have gone unheard, even as drowning incidents continue to claim innocent lives.
“For years, we have been pleading for a bridge, but our voices are being ignored. Each time the river rises, our hearts sink in fear. Children and the elderly risk their lives on unsafe boats,” said Rafiqa Begum, a resident.
Another local, Bilal Ahmad Dar of Banyari Garbi, said the indifference of officials has pushed people into constant danger. “The river is our only route, and boats are our only option. But how many more lives must be lost before the government wakes up?” he asked.
Residents said the problem is not just about safety but also about daily hardships. Students often miss school during bad weather when boats cannot operate, while patients face life-threatening delays in reaching hospitals. Farmers and workers also complain that much of their time is wasted waiting for boats to ferry them across the river.
Villagers said the tragic toll is mounting, with several families mourning their loved ones lost to capsized boats. “We are tired of counting the dead. Precious lives have been lost only because we are being denied basic infrastructure,” said Ghulam Ahmad, another local.
The residents questioned why bridges were sanctioned for other areas like Hakbara in Sumbal, while Bakshibal continues to be neglected. “Are we not human? We may be living in far-flung areas, but we voted for development and got nothing in return. Our MLA never talks about this issue, and the administration is sleeping over our misery,” they said.
They urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to step in and address the crisis.