- People block Srinagar-Baramulla highway, police resort to tear gas shelling
- Will provide permanent solution for water crisis to area: DC Baramulla
- 60 Crs scheme is being constructed to address water deficit in area
- There is no space for violence: SSP Baramulla
Irfan Yattoo
The inhabitants of Chainbal Pattan on Friday staged a protest against Jal Shakti Department for failing to provide potable water. They blocked Srinagar-Baramulla highway and halted vehicular traffic for several hours.
Eyewitnesses told Rising Kashmir that from early morning, people staged a protest against the Jal Shakti Department for failing to provide potable water in the area.
Ali Mohammad, a local, told Rising Kashmir that there is no potable water in the village, which has forced residents to protest against the Jal Shakti Department.
“For the past 17-18 months, we have been without drinking water. During this time, we have had to rely on tankers that charge us Rs 700-1000 each time,” he said.
Ali said some villagers receive water through pipes, the pressure is so low that the majority of the population is left without drinking water.
Initially after administration and local police failed to engage with the protestors and restore the traffic. Due to which the protest turned violent, with some locals resorting to stone pelting.
Around 8 people, including 4 BJP workers, drivers, students were injured due to stone pelting. In response, police resorted to lathi charge and tear gas shelling.
The injured were shifted to JVC Hospital, Trauma Hospital Pattan and CHC Mirgund. Later, the police dispersed the protesters with lathi charge and tear gas shelling. Many vehicles also suffered significant damage.
Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Shalimar, was injured after his car was attacked by an unknown mob. “There was a violent protest, and two large stones were thrown into my car. All the window panes have been damaged,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, assured protestors that a permanent solution to the water crisis is already being implemented by the Jal Jeevan Mission, J&K.
“The water supply scheme worth 60 crores is being constructed to address the water deficit in the Pattan area. The aim of this project is to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply to the entire region, alleviating the long-standing issues of water scarcity,” he said.
“A 60 crore project can’t be completed overnight, but work is progressing swiftly and is expected to be completed in the next 6-7 months,” he added, noting that 75 percent of the work has been completed.
DC Baramulla stated that an inquiry will be conducted to investigate the violent clashes that erupted during a protest by residents of the Chainbal area in Pattan.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla, Amod Nagpure reached the spot and interacted with people.
He said there is space for peaceful protest in a democracy, but no space for violence, and such actions should be avoided.
SSP Baramulla said that Chief Engineer PHE is visiting the site to address the issue. The situation is normal in Pattan, and the people have assured that they will not resort to violence,” he said.
“Police are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will take strict action against any individuals or groups attempting to incite violence,” he said.
People’s Conference President, Sajad Lone in a post said that “What on earth is happening in Chenabal, Pattan. People are simply registering their protest against scarcity of water. ”
“And what is the response of the JK police? It is as if they are at an encounter site. Can u please start listening to people and render a “supreme sacrifice” of treating humans as humans,” Lone said.
Meanwhile, BJP Kashmir spokesman said that Party’s Media Incharge Kashmir, Adv. Sajid Yousuf Shah, and Social Media Incharge, Er. Sahil Bashir Bhat, were attacked by an unknown mob in Mirgund Pattan. PSO’s were also seriously injured, the spokesman said.
AJKA President and Sr General Secretary Molvi Imran Ansari has expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in Chainbal (Pattan), where a water scarcity protest turned violent. The local police have been accused of using excessive force and live ammunition on protesters, resulting in alarming reports of injuries and damage.
In a statement issued here, Movli Imran Ansari said he is deeply concerned about the escalating situation in Chainbal (Pattan), where a water scarcity protest turned violent.
“Local police responsible for the situation, using excessive force & live ammunition on protesters. Reports of injuries & damage are alarming. Authorities must address the water crisis & ensure peaceful resolution,” he said.
Ansari said that the right to water is a fundamental human right & it’s the responsibility of the government to ensure access to this basic necessity. Protesters’ rights must be respected & protected. Local police must be held accountable for their actions, he added.
Former MC Baramulla President Touseef Raina also visited the village and assured the villagers that their demand will be addressed on short notice.
“It was very unfortunate that the local police mishandled the situation at Chinbal. I was there, listening to the protesters, and they were ready to let the traffic go without the need for police force. I appeal to the DGP sahab to hold the concerned local police accountable for,” he added.
Raina said although some protestors resorted to violence and vandalism which is unacceptable, I witnessed how the situation escalated.
“It is important to distinguish between the reaction of civilians and the action expected from professionals in such situations,” he added.
