Avoid Highway Blockades, Police Urge People Over Water Protests
Following protests over water scarcity across Baramulla district, especially within Pattan jurisdiction, police on Wednesday urged residents not to block highways or take the law into their own hands.
Notably, the appeal has been made days after a violent demonstration at Chainabal took place, where people blocked the Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway to protest against water scarcity.
A joint meeting was held at the SDPO office in Pattan, attended by the officials from various civil line departments, where residents voiced their concerns over the severe water shortages.
Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pattan, Dr. Gulzar Ahmed, who chaired the meeting, assured the public that their grievances would be addressed promptly and water tankers would be deployed on a roaster basis to mitigate the crisis.
“Grievances that fall within our domain will be addressed promptly,” said the SDM.
He said the administration is committed to resolving the issues especially the water scarcity issue and no laxity will be tolerated in ensuring timely redressal.
Similarly, SDPO Pattan, Shah Jahan urged people to avoid blocking highways and taking the law into their own hands, asking them to knock their doors for any issues instead of taking steps that can escalate the problem.
“Blocking the highway is not a solution. If people have any grievances, our doors are open for them. Highway blockades lead to significant inconvenience, especially for emergency services, which can prove fatal,” Jahan said.
Notably, water scarcity hit several areas across Baramulla with people taking to the streets to protest against the issue.
Pertinently, the residents of Gundbal Hamray in Pattan also took to streets to protest against the water scarcity. The protestors accused the Jal Shakti department of failing to provide them with the adequate drink water supply—(KNO)
