Neglect in PoJK: Residents Battle Crumbling Roads, Winter Woes

Inhabitants of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) continue to suffer from years of neglect as the region's critical roadways crumble and political promises go unfulfilled. Major highways in this area have been likened to deteriorating trails, plagued by potholes, poor maintenance, and a striking absence of government intervention. Along the main highway from Chattar Cross to Hans Chowki, development has been stagnant since 1985, leaving locals frustrated and despondent.

"From Chattar Cross to Hans Chowki, this entire section is considered the main highway. There's another road below that's now being repaired; it's a link road, but from 1985 to today, no work has been done on it at all. No ministers, officials, or MLAs have ever taken notice. They simply came, collected our votes, and moved on," a resident lamentedly shared. The adverse road conditions are exacerbated during harsh winters, where dense fog and treacherous routes render daily commutes perilous. Without a dependable transportation system, residents are forced to address landslides and debris on their own, in the absence of government machinery.

"In winter, thick fog descends upon us, and there's absolutely no transport system on this road. No machinery is provided either. When landslides occur or any road-related incidents take place, it's the labourers or the locals who have to clear it themselves. The department does nothing whatsoever," another resident expressed in frustration. The neglect faced by people in PoJK highlights broader issues of political instability, economic hardship, and human rights violations. The lack of integration into mainstream governance further exacerbates these challenges, cultivating a profound sense of abandonment among the populace.

(With inputs from agencies.)