Locals, political activists hit streets against GMC relocation in Handwara

Kupwara, Aug 16: Relocation of the Government Medical College (GMC) from its earlier location in Handwara has led to a huge public outcry, with several local representatives of political parties threatening to hit streets.

The BJP units of Handwara and Langate have launched demonstration and urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene directly, noting that the GMC project was e-inaugurated by the Home Minister himself. BJP leaders warned of an indefinite hunger strike if the order is not rolled back.

According to locals, a government committee led by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir with Kupwara DC Ayushi Sudan and senior engineers from R&B, PHE, Agriculture, and Horticulture had recommended three fully feasible, state-owned sites at Kulangam, Chogul, and Handwara, requiring no land purchase. Despite this, they allege, the panel’s report was ignored in favour of a location lacking basic road access, water supply, and electricity.

"When the Health Minister’s team visited Kupwara on August 14, they drove straight to Nutnussa without inspecting the three shortlisted sites,” residents said. “People were waiting along the roadside to guide them to Kulangam, Chogul and Handwara, but the convoy bypassed them entirely".

The discontent is not limited to the BJP. JKNC workers in Handwara and Langate have also condemned the decision, calling it a betrayal of public trust. The entire unit has threatened mass resignations if the relocation is not reversed.

Senior JKNC leader and former minister Chowdhury Mohammad Ramzan travelled from Srinagar to meet the party cadre, attempting to calm tempers. However, anger remains high, with many workers openly demanding an immediate rollback of the order “in the larger interest of Handwara’s future.”