Protest held in Handwara over lack of basic civic facilities
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, traders and local residents staged a peaceful protest in the Zachaldara market area of Handwara against long-pending civic issues affecting daily life and business activities.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protesters highlighted several key problems, including the absence of a proper sanitary complex, a poor drainage system, and inadequate infrastructure in the busy market.
The traders said these issues have persisted for years, causing serious inconvenience to both shopkeepers and visitors. They lamented that despite repeatedly bringing these concerns to the notice of the authorities, no concrete steps have been taken so far. “The lack of basic facilities is not only affecting our businesses but also posing serious public hygiene concerns,” a protester said.
Another trader pointed out that the situation worsens during rainfall, as the entire market gets flooded due to the faulty drainage system. He said customers avoid visiting the market in such conditions, leading to financial losses for shopkeepers, and demanded a permanent solution instead of temporary measures.
Local residents, including women and elderly people, also joined the protest and voiced concern over the absence of basic amenities. They termed the lack of a sanitary complex in such a busy market as highly unfortunate and urged the authorities to take immediate action.
Following the protest, Tehsildar Zachaldara, the Block Development Officer Rajwar, and the Duty Officer from Police Post Zachaldara visited the site and held talks with the protesters.
