Hajin traders, locals allege work ‘abandoned’ on caved-in road

Bandipora, Jul 1: Traders and locals in Hajin area of Bandipora district are fuming with anger over the administration’s “slow response” in reconstructing the road stretch along the river Jehlum, which caved in after developing cracks in February month this year.

The Sheikh Mohalla residents and traders near the Hajin bridge on Tuesday held a protest while alleging that the work has now been “completely abandoned” for over a month, hindering business activities and leaving them to consider other survival options.

The residents and shopkeepers raised slogans and demanded restoration of the work.”

Notably, the stretch along the Jhelum over the years has witnessed several small cave-ins.

However, in February, an entire road stretch collapsed after incessant rains, triggering evacuations.

Days before the tragedy, locals had sought government help after huge cracks appeared in the road stretch.

Later, locals were assured immediate relief as reconstruction works were initiated. However, the locals are now alleging that the work has been “abandoned” without providing any reasons to the locals and the trades.

Notably, the stretch connects Hajin with Bandipora and nearby Saderkoot and other villages.

“The administration worked on the project for nearly five days immediately after the incident. It again started after a long pause and was halted again around Eid,” former trader president Mushtaq Ahmad said.

Traders said the construction has been abandoned for around a month and a half.

“The traders here are suffering immensely due to the road closure. Amid no business, the loans from banks, wholesalers, and manufacturers have broken their backs. The personal and family issues had also taken a toll,” he added.

“The government or the administration has forgotten them. One should come and look at how they are suffering,” he continued.

The traders are not able to understanding why the work has stopped.

“We are in loss as businesses are worth nothing. Survival is almost impossible in this era of inflation,” he said.

The traders also alleged that “outdated machinery” is not capable of withstanding the hurdles faced in the construction process. “They are now covered in tarpoline sheets.”

The traders sought reasons for keeping work abandoned and requested MLA Hilal Akbar Lone and Deputy Commissioner Bandipora to intervene in the matter.

In case the authorities did not intervene into the matter, the traders threatened to launch massive protests.