People protest IIOJK authorities’ apathy over drinking water crisis in Pulwama
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), people staged a protest in Sanziwatoora area of Pulwama district against the authorities’ continued indifference towards their basic needs, demanding the immediate restoration of drinking water supply that has remained disrupted for the past four years days.
According to Kashmir Media Service, carrying empty utensils, scores of protesters took to the streets and said the concerned authorities disconnected the area’s piped water supply four years ago, leaving hundreds of families without access to safe drinking water.
The protesters said repeated appeals to the authorities had gone unanswered. They also criticized elected representatives for failing to fulfill promises made during the election campaign regarding the restoration of the water supply.
Residents said they have been facing an acute drinking water crisis despite the village being located barely two kilometres from the Pulwama district headquarters. They added that the administration’s claims of providing tap water to every household stood exposed as people in their village continued to struggle for one of the most basic necessities of life. They vowed to continue their protest until a reliable drinking water supply is restored.
The protest has once again highlighted the widening gap between the BJP-led Indian government’s claims of development in IIOJK following the August 5, 2019 actions and the ground realities, where Kashmiris continue to face shortages of basic civic amenities, including safe drinking water.
