Handwara calls for change: Voters push for better roads & healthcare services

Handwara, Aug 28: As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for its Assembly elections starting September 18, Handwara, often dubbed the “hot seat” of North Kashmir, is raising its voice with a clarion call for change. Rising Kashmir correspondents recently visited the constituency to gauge the sentiments of its residents, and the feedback was both candid and pressing.
Residents of Handwara are voicing their frustration over persistent infrastructure and healthcare issues that have long been unmet. Abdul Hamid, a local shopkeeper, reflects the collective sentiment, “We need better roads and drainage systems urgently. The current state of infrastructure is holding us back. Improved connectivity will make a significant difference in our lives.”
One of the most critical concerns is the state of the local government hospital. Despite the introduction of the Government Medical College (GMC), the hospital is operating with less than 50 beds, and patients are often forced to seek treatment elsewhere. Sakeena Begum, a resident whose family frequently faces medical challenges, underscores the urgency, “The government hospital is overcrowded and often lacks basic facilities. We need more beds and better medical equipment. Our families deserve better healthcare right here in Handwara.”
Additionally, the lack of proper drinking water facilities has become a significant issue. In some remote villages, access to clean water is still a struggle. “In my village, water only came after a tragic incident where four family members lost their lives,” says Tariq Ahmed, a resident of Rajwar. “Basic services like water and proper roads are still lacking. These are fundamental rights that we are deprived of.”
The repeated promises made by leaders during election times have done little to address these concerns, leaving voters disillusioned. “Every time leaders visit, they promise to fix these issues, but nothing changes until the next election,” laments Zahida Begum, a local resident. “We are looking for new representatives who will not only make promises but will also deliver on them.”
As the Assembly elections approach, the voices from Handwara highlight a critical need for actionable change and a renewed commitment to addressing the region’s pressing issues. Voters in Handwara are not just casting their ballots; they are demanding that their concerns be heard and acted upon.