The residents of Pati Matriyaan Gabra village in Kupwara district, North Kashmir, are facing severe hardships due to the absence of a proper road or footpath. Despite pooling their personal funds to construct a road and footpath, the villagers remain disconnected from the main thoroughfare. The administration’s lack of attention to their pleas has left over 500 residents frustrated and disappointed.
In an era of technological advancement, the villagers continue to rely on horses for transportation, daily needs, and even medical emergencies. This lack of connectivity has particularly affected vulnerable individuals like Zeni Begum, who suffers from paralysis and struggles to reach the hospital, and Walatee Begum, a 97-year-old resident who faces health challenges due to limited access to medical facilities. Sakeena Jan, a handicapped individual, also endures difficulties navigating the village’s uneven terrain.
The plight of the Gabra village residents exposes the stark contrast between the promises of development made by the Karnah administration and the harsh reality faced by the villagers. Basic infrastructure, such as roads, is essential for the progress and well-being of any community, and its absence has severely impacted daily life in Gabra village.
The villagers now appeal to the district administration and higher authorities to urgently address their long-standing issue. They hope that their voices will be heard and that prompt action will be taken to construct a road that connects their village to the main road network.
The tehsildar of Karnah, when contacted, mentioned that the matter is currently sub judice as the villagers themselves registered a case in the Honourable High Court, which is currently in progress. He also noted that the land in question is privately owned.
