Srinagar, Sept 26: As the assembly elections on October 1 approach in north Kashmir, the people of Lolab Constituency in Kupwara district are expressing optimism that their long-standing issues—ranging from inadequate healthcare and education to persistent power crises—will finally receive the attention they deserve.
Residents from various villages shared their concerns with Rising Kashmir, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure, healthcare facilities, educational opportunities, road connectivity, and essential services. Many feel neglected by the government over the decades.
Junaid Ahmad, a local from Tekkipora, highlighted the plight of the community regarding healthcare. “A hospital was established here a decade ago to serve over 25,000 people, but it lacks adequate staff and equipment,” he lamented. “This hospital should have been a lifeline for us, but we have no choice but to travel long distances for basic treatment. It feels like we have been forgotten.”
In nearby Warnow village, residents are calling for the upgrade of a small health center that serves five panchayats. “We travel 30 kilometers just to access banking services, which adds to our hardships,” Junaid added.
Muneer Ahmad Khan from Lalpora village expressed frustration over the state of the roads. “Most of the roads are in such bad shape that even reaching a hospital becomes an ordeal. Every election, we are promised better roads, but nothing changes. We lack basic amenities like healthcare, education, and clean water.”
Khan also pointed out the educational deficiencies in the area, noting the absence of separate schools for girls. “How can we expect our children to compete when they don’t have proper schooling? Many of our daughters drop out due to this,” he said.
Hilal Ahmad Khatana highlighted the acute power crisis that has plagued Lolab Constituency. “We face prolonged and frequent electricity cuts, especially during the harsh winter months. Our children can’t study, and our livelihoods suffer. It’s time the authorities address this crisis before it cripples us completely.”
The water scarcity issue is equally pressing. AminaBano from Kalaroos stated, “We have protested multiple times against the severe water shortages we face. Clean drinking water should not be a luxury, but it feels like it is here.”
In the Machil area, home to 20 villages and about 27,000 residents, infrastructure remains alarmingly inadequate. Shabir Ali, a Machil resident, remarked, “We feel abandoned by the authorities. There is no road, no hospital, no school. We are completely cut off from the rest of the world.”
Despite the region’s beauty and potential for tourism, Ali emphasized the lack of investment in infrastructure. “If the government developed the Machil and Lolab valleys, it could boost our economy and provide jobs for the youth,” he suggested.
In the upcoming elections, a total of 11 candidates are contesting for the Lolab (General) Assembly constituency. In the 2014 elections, Abdul Haq Khan of JKPDP emerged victorious, securing 29,408 votes, followed by Qaisar Lone with 26,538 votes.
