Gurez Residents Struggle for Basic Amenities After 75 Years of Independence despite promises of development during elections

Bandipora, 24 May: The Gurez valley, a region near the line of control LOC in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, located 130 km away from summer capital Srinagar, which remains cut off from the rest of the world due to snowfall at Razdan Pass, the gateway to Gurez Valley, which is at an elevation of 12,000 feet above from sea level.

Locals suffer immensely during winters, with even basic healthcare becoming a challenge.

“For a toothache, we must travel 84 km to Bandipora district hospital in winters. Expectant mothers migrate to urban areas as healthcare facilities in Gurez are inadequate,” said Nissar Ahmad, a local resident.

Residents expressed disappointment over the lack of progress despite promises by regional parties, they highlighted the need for a tunnel to connect Gurez valley throughout the year and improve access to healthcare and other facilities.

“We’ve been voting for regional parties for decades, hoping for a tunnel to connect us. But our voices are never heard in Parliament,” said Mohd Afzal, another resident.

With the rise in tourism, migration to urban areas for basic facilities continues.

Locals feel neglected despite government assurances of development after the abrogation of Article 370.
“Basic facilities are crucial for us. After 75 years of independence, we still struggle in our daily lives,” said Hamidullah, another resident.

The local residents appealed to authorities to intervene and address their grievances regarding basic necessities and healthcare access.