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Srinagar, Residents of Banyari village in Bandipora district, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), have expressed their frustration with authorities over their failure to fulfill long-standing promises.
According to Kashmir Media Service, villagers have been waiting nearly 15 years for a bridge to be constructed over the River Jhelum, which splits the village into two: Banyari Sharqi (east) and Banyari Garbi (west).
Ghulam Hassan, a resident of Banyari village, pointed out that the village is largely inhabited by fishermen, orchardists, and sand excavators who live hand-to-mouth. He lamented that the authorities have not ensured the safety of residents, noting that crossing the river has resulted in multiple fatalities.
Imam Moulana Farooq Ahmad, 65, from Banyari, explained that the river has claimed many lives due to the lack of a bridge. He recalled an announcement made 15 years ago about a bridge project to connect Ghulabyari, Soundara, Bayari Sharqi, and Banyari Garbi. However, he noted that only a portion of the bridge connecting Ghulabyari and Soundara has been constructed. He also mentioned that a former Deputy Commissioner of the district witnessed a boat capsize during his visit to Banyari, yet the project remains incomplete.
Hassan urged the authorities to expedite the construction of the bridge, saying that the tragedy of crossing the river puts their lives and their children’s lives at risk.
Meanwhile, residents in downtown Srinagar staged protests against the anti-people policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regime. The protests reflect broader discontent with the government’s failure to address the basic needs of people in IIOJK.
The ongoing protests and dissatisfaction with the authorities’ lack of action indicate a growing sense of frustration among the people in Bandipora and surrounding areas. Calls for accountability and swift action to address the community’s grievances continue to escalate.