Baramulla, Apr 01: Amid the ongoing holy month of Ramadhan, residents of the Khawaja Bagh area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have expressed concern over the growing population of stray dogs, which poses life threatening risk to elderly people, children, women, and students.
The presence of stray dogs in large numbers along the routes leading to different mosques in the area often hampers the movement of worshippers, following taraweeh prayer and dawn prayer.
Scores of stray dogs are present at Jani Chowk also known as Fourway, leading to Masjid Noor. This intersection also connects Khawaja Bagh with the national Highway, Sherwani Colony, and Faizan Public Higher Secondary School from the upper side. Notably, Scores of stray dogs can be seen on the National Highway.
Additionally, the right side route also directs towards the National Highway, Jetty, Masjid Shaihamdhan, Budding Bloom Experimental School, and esteemed Government Degree College Baramulla (Autonomous).
Aafreen Bashir, a female student of Government Degree College Baramulla (Autonomous) said that she walks to college via the Jetty route. This route often remains deserted and scores of stray dogs are present there, which hampers her daily movement.
“I went to college on foot through the Jetty route daily. And I witness the presence of stray dogs in large numbers and there isn’t much movement of people on that route, which scares me a lot because I’m afraid they might chase me. It is a big concern for the general public,” Aafreen Bashir added.
Moreover, the route on the downside leads to another intersection, offering more routes within the vicinity. The right side route guides towards Mohalla Hyder where Masjid Hyder, Government Secondary School, and Government Girls Middle School are established. The same route also leads to the river bank and children’s park.
A youth who wishes anonymity said that he visits the playground of Government Secondary School every evening and the barking sounds of stray dogs scare him.
“During evening hours, I visit the playground to play with friends. Sometimes while returning home, I heard the barking sounds of dogs from the river bank, which horrify me,” he added
The right-side route leads towards Qadeem Mohalla and Islamia Model High School.
A local said that he witnessed numerous stray dogs at several places during night hours, which has become a life-threatening issue for them.
“On returning from the mosque, after performing taraweeh prayer, I often witness numerous stray dogs on roads. I get scared and they force me to go home immediately. It has become a life-threatening risk for our children too. Admin should take urgent action,” Sajad Ahmad Dar, a local shopkeeper of Khawaja Bagh said.
Despite repeated attempts, the Executive Officer, of Municipal Council Baramulla could not be reached for the comment.
