Handwara, Jan 10: Shopkeepers and local residents of Handwara held a protest on Friday, demanding the removal of road dividers on the main town’s roads, which they claim have become a hazard and the cause of several road accidents.
The protesters expressed concerns that since the installation of the dividers, numerous accidents have occurred, resulting in injuries to several people. They mentioned that during the construction phase, the authorities were cautioned against building the dividers, but their warnings were ignored.
Sheikh Shahzad, General Secretary of the Traders’ Federation of Handwara, told Rising Kashmir, “We repeatedly urged the administration to remove these dividers, but our pleas went unheard. As a result, several people have been injured.” He added, “We don’t understand what kind of tragedy they are waiting for.”
The protesters also highlighted the government’s spending on the beautification of Handwara, which they claim has yielded little benefit. They pointed out that streetlights that were initially installed were later removed and reinstalled, causing frustration among the residents.
The protestors are now calling for a strict investigation into the funds used for the development projects in Handwara. MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, has also voiced his concern over the dividers, noting that there is already sufficient space on the roads and that the dividers should be removed. “The dividers are not necessary,” Lone said.
Local residents and shopkeepers have expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s response to their concerns. Despite previous meetings with the authorities, the Traders’ Federation and local residents believe their concerns have been ignored. They warned that if the demand for the removal of the dividers is not addressed within the next few days, they will launch another strike.
