Bandipora, Sept 04: With the Assembly elections approaching, the remote border valley of Gurez, home to 22,102 voters, has intensified its long-standing demand for a tunnel to connect it to the rest of the region. “We are tired of being cut off from the world every winter,” said Abdul Rehman, a shopkeeper in Dawar. “Our children suffer due to lack of access to proper education, and medical emergencies become life-threatening. The tunnel is not just a demand; it’s a lifeline for us.” The valley remains inaccessible from November to April due to heavy snowfall on the Razdan Pass, affecting every aspect of life, from education and healthcare to livelihoods. “Every election, they come with promises, but once the elections are over, we are forgotten,” said Arshid Ahmad, a local. “This time, we want a commitment, not just words.” The issue of connectivity has plagued Gurez for decades, with the accumulation of snow on the Razdan Pass making the border valley inaccessible from November to April. This geographical challenge has had severe implications for the residents, affecting every aspect of life from education and healthcare to livelihoods.
The strategic importance of the tunnel is also undeniable, given Gurez’s proximity to the Line of Control (LoC). However, promises made during election campaigns have yet to materialize into action.
The 18-kilometer tunnel project, estimated to boost the border valley’s economy by promoting tourism, has been on the agenda of successive governments but remains in limbo. ”Tourism has indeed transformed our valley, but imagine the possibilities if we could keep our businesses open all year,” said Irshad Ahmad, a local. “The tunnel would not only change our lives but also bring prosperity to Gurez.” As election fever grips J&K, political parties are making rounds in Gurez, but locals are clear: the tunnel is non-negotiable. “We have heard enough promises. We need a clear timeline for the tunnel’s construction. We cannot wait any longer. This issue is about our survival,” Irshad Ahmad added. Mudasir Ahmad, a political analyst, said, “If the candidates fail to address this demand, they will lose the trust of the people. The voters here are well aware of their needs, and they will vote for the one who promises real change.”
