Civil Society Forum stages protest, demands resumption of GMC Handwara construction

Kupwara, Nov 19: Members of the Civil Society Forum Handwara on Wednesday held a silent protest at Chogal, urging the authorities to immediately resume the long-pending construction work of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara.

Protesters expressed deep concern over the continued suspension of the project, which has remained stalled for nearly a year and a half. Mudasir Tantray, one of the participants, said the delay is depriving the region of a much-needed healthcare facility. “The prolonged halt is causing immense hardship to the local population, who are in urgent need of better medical infrastructure,” he said.

The protesters appealed to the administration to intervene and restart the pending construction at the earliest. Liyakat Ali Khan said the timely completion of the GMC is essential for strengthening healthcare services in Handwara and neighbouring areas. “It is the need of the hour that work at the Chogal site resumes without further delay,” he added.

The Civil Society Forum also issued a warning, stating that if construction does not resume within the next 10 days, they—along with the Traders Federation, Transport Federation, Druggists and Chemists Association, and other groups—will launch a stronger, large-scale protest in the town.