Karnah without SDM for over 50 days, people suffer badly

Kupwara, Nov 26: Residents of the border town Karnah in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district are facing mounting hardships as the post of Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has remained vacant for more than 50 days following the retirement of the previous officer.

The prolonged vacancy has paralysed routine administration, causing serious delays in public services and governance. With no SDM in place, files requiring approval have been accumulating, slowing essential work across departments.

“The files requiring the SDM’s approval have been piling up over the past six weeks, stalling important administrative work,” said resident Tahir Qudoos.

The absence of a key administrative head has also left residents with no effective mechanism to address grievances. “People have nowhere to turn for help, and the administrative machinery feels paralysed,” said Wasim Baba, another resident.

Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Karnah, Javid Mirchal, expressed strong displeasure over the delay in filling the post. “I have taken up this issue with the higher authorities, but the SDM post in Karnah is yet to be filled, leaving locals in agony,” he said.

He reiterated his demand for the immediate appointment of an SDM to restore basic governance in the area. Mirchal said the administration must act swiftly to end the hardships faced by the people of Karnah.