ConstituencySpeaks: Uri residents demand upgradation of NH44, individual bunkers along LoC

Srinagar, Sept 26: As the final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections draws near on October 1, 2024, the residents of Uri town in Baramulla district are voicing long-standing demands for the upgradation of basic amenities and the construction of individual bunkers for those living along the Line of Control (LoC).
Locals say they have endured decades of hardship due to Uri’s strategic location and the lack of attention from successive governments. However, with elections being held after a decade, there is renewed hope that their pleas will finally be addressed.
Zubair Ahmad Khatana, a resident of Nambla village, highlighted the dire need for improved road infrastructure in the region. “Whosoever will be elected from Uri should address ground-level issues that affect everyone,” Khatana told *Rising Kashmir*. He added, “The National Highway (NH44) from Baramulla to Uri Salamabad is narrow in places and prone to accidents. Widening the road is essential to ensure safer and more efficient travel. Without better connectivity, we will always feel cut off from the rest of the world.”
Ghulam Hassan, another local, pointed to the severe electricity shortages in Uri, particularly during the winter months. “We face electricity crises every winter. Proper and reliable power is critical in border areas like ours,” Hassan said. He expressed hope that the new representatives would resolve the ongoing power supply issues.
Similarly, residents of Kalakote, a border town in the area, face daily struggles to access clean water. Sakeena Begum, a resident of Kalakote, shared the difficulties of fetching water for her household, especially during winter. “We have to walk miles to get clean water. The government must prioritize setting up proper water supply schemes for villages like ours,” Begum said. She also called for the installation of ATMs in upper-reach areas, where banking facilities are scarce.
Muneer Ahmad, a local resident, raised concerns about cross-border shelling, which remains a constant threat to those living near the LoC. “Our villages are on the front lines. We need individual bunkers for each household to protect our families during periods of shelling,” Ahmad said. Although the government has constructed community bunkers in some areas, Ahmad emphasized that these are insufficient and individual bunkers are necessary for every household.
Firdous Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Rustum village, noted that Uri remains largely absent from Kashmir’s tourism map despite its potential. “We have many destinations, like waterfalls, historic temples, and gurdwaras, that can be developed into tourist spots. If promoted, tourism could boost the local economy and provide much-needed job opportunities,” Sheikh said.
Uri’s residents also recalled past election results, with Mohammad Shafi of the J&K National Conference (NC) winning the constituency in the 2014 assembly elections, securing 24,359 votes. Aijaz Ali Khan of the JKPDP followed with 18,567 votes.
This year, Uri has a total electorate of 1,04,813, with 53,872 male voters and 50,941 female voters. No third-gender voters are registered. Key contenders in this election include Choudhary Taj Mohiuddin of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), a former Congressman, and Dr. Sajad Shafi Ganie of the NC. As the elections approach, Uri’s residents are eager to see their voices heard and their decades-long issues addressed.