M Majid Malik
Bhaderwah
The residents of Nalthi, Basti, Sartingal, and adjoining areas of Bhaderwah along with students of local institutions on Monday held a protest demonstration against the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and local administration demanding macadamisation of Bhaderwah—Bani-Basohli road.
A large number of vehicles were stranded for hours following the protest. The protesting people and students gathered on Bhaderwah – Basohli Highway near Nalthi village and expressed anger against the 144 RCC of Border Roads Organisation.
Raising slogans against BRO, the protesters blocked highway by erecting obstacles and laying barbed wires across the road. The protestors alleged that due to the callous attitude of the BRO/GREF authorities, villagers have been exposed to several hardships and for last many years, the residents living along Bhaderwah-Basohli road are literally living under thick blanket of dust as despite several representations, 114 RCC instead of blacktoping residential areas have been laying bitumen in the forest and far off areas for unknown reasons.
The locals alleged that BRO has been acting as a quiet spectator of the horrible condition of the road.
They said although they have apprised the officials about the woeful condition of the road, they don’t seem to bother about it.
The residents sought immediate attention and intervention of Civil administration and elected representatives to save them from the “mess created by BRO”.
Meanwhile, Station House Officer, Bhaderwah Muneer Khan along with other district administration officials of BRO / GREF 114 RCC reached the spot and pacified the protesters.
They assured them that they would take up the issue with concerned officials.
