MUZAFFRABAD (Kashmir English): The protest, which started in Batnara village on the outskirts of Muzafarabad, over the lack of basic facilities, has intensified.
The villages have blocked the main Neelum Highway, whereas police teams are trying to control the situation. A few protestors have been attacked by the police.
According to the residents of the area, Batnara village lacks basic amenities even in modern times. There are no educational institutions, while the dispensary has no medical staff and no medicines. Similarly, the electricity system is also in a bad state.
The protesters said that they have informed the higher authorities about the problems several times, but despite the passage of years, no practical action has been taken, due to which they were forced to protest. The protesters made it clear that if their demands are not accepted, they will close the Neelum Highway from the Nausiri point to all types of traffic.
The protesters said that their children are deprived of education, and patients are being carried to the hospital on cots and shoulders. They further said that despite the existence of a dispensary building in Batnara, the medical staff are sitting at home and receiving salaries.
Locals alleged that politicians have always made false promises, but the problems have not been resolved.
The closure of the Neelum Highway at Nowseri has led to traffic disruption and long queues of vehicles. The protesters say that their protest will continue until basic rights are provided.
