Mohammad Harris
Baramulla: People from all sections of society including trader’s community in Baramulla town of North Kashmir under the banner of Jammu and Kashmir Social Activists Forum staged strong protest demonstration against inflated bills, shortage of drinking water, alleged indifference and neglect of government and concern authorities towards the historical town.
Protesting traders took out a peaceful protest rally from Main Chowk Baramulla. The agitators shouted slogans against government and concern departments, threatening strong agitation if their problems and grievances are not addressed.
The protesting people were carrying banners and placards which read ‘stop discrimination to Baramulla’ and ‘Restore Pristine glory of the historical town’
“Baramulla town and its adjoining areas the worst neglected and discriminated as far development and basic amenities like roads, power and water is concerned,” said General Secretary Engineer Tariq Ahmad Magloo. He informed that town’s heritage SRTC Bridge, damaged in floods, has been left in shambles and it is caving in with every passing day.
“ We are protesting against inflated electric bills, poor healthcare facilities illegal appointments on Hospital Development Funds in District Hospital Baramulla, reduction in ration quota and increase in prices of grains, pathetic sanitation and development projects lingering on from years,” said Tariq Ahmed Magloo.
“SRTC Bridge is arterial bridge which connects old town with civil lines but it has not been repaired despite tenders issued by R&B department. People risk their lives by crossing over river Jehlum via boats and life has become miserable,” the protestors added.
The protesting traders lamented official apathy towards two historical government buildings -old district hospital and Government Boys Higher Secondary Baramulla, gutted in mysterious fire besides defunct street lights, lack of doctors and paramedical staff in district hospital, potholed roads and streets in the town.
“Potholed roads and streets, huge heap of garbage, defunct street lights from years, traffic mess, mismanaged bus stands and poor drainage system has made life hellish here. Nobody seems to listen we fail to understand where is the government,” asked Magloo.
“We have been badly ignored by the government and administration as authorities are not serious in providing relief to people of Baramulla town as Bus Stands and Sumo stands in the town have not been developed and since 15 years General Bus Stand Baramulla is without toilet cum bathroom,” said another protestor.
