by Idrees Bukhtiyar

BARAMULLA: The post of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Uri is lying vacant for the past two weeks after the transfer of the erstwhile SDM causing inconvenience to people of the area.

Locals said various public work projects have been hit in the sub-division Uri due to the absence of SDM.

“It is very unfortunate that almost 15 days have passed and the government is yet to appoint a new officer. We are suffering immensely,” said Abrar Ahmad, a local.

Bashir Ahmad Bhat, a local Right To Information activist said the government has been making big but hollow claims on good governance after the reading down of Article 370.

“It is a serious issue that this far-flung and border area is headless for such a long time. They are giving stepmotherly treatment to the residents of Uri. We appeal the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to look into the matter,” he said.

“People are unable to take up the matters pertaining to the SDM office,” he added.

Former SDM Reyaz Ahmad Malik who had the additional charges of Custodian Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) Salamabad and Sub- Registrar Uri was transferred on April 18th and posted as Joint Director, Hospitality and Protocol, Kashmir.

Notably, the Tehsil Office Uri is also not able to function effectively as its Tehsildar Syed Khursheed Ahmad is on leave ever since he tested positive for Covid-19 on February 9 this year. The additional charge of Tehsil Uri has been lying with Tehsildar Boniyar Peer Zahid.

Meanwhile, Dr Sajjad Shafi Uri, National Conference’s north zone vice president appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to fill both vacancies on immediately. “Many posts in various schools, ZEO offices and other government offices in Uri are also lying vacant,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Bhupinder Kumar said the matter has already been taken up with the higher authorities. “We are expecting a new SDM soon,” he said.

Commissioner Secretary General Administration Department Manoj Kumar Dwivedi said, “Hopefully, a new SDM will be posted in the next few days.”

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