Violent Protest Over Water Shortage in JK’s Pattan, several Injured, Vehicles Damaged
Srinagar, July 19(KNS): A protest over a shortage of drinking water turned violent in Mirgund Chenabal area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday.
Reports reaching Kashmir News Service (KNS) indicate that a group of people blocked the national highway at Mirgund Pattan today to protest against the shortage of drinking water. Due to the blockade, many ambulances were stuck, trapping patients in the protest.
When the police arrived to assure the protesters that their demands would be addressed and asked them to reopen the highway, the protesters refused and started throwing stones at the police. This led to clashes between the protesters and the police.
Official sources told KNS that some several people were injured during the clashes while many vehicle got also damaged. To disperse the crowd, the police used tear gas shells.
Meanwhile, BJP Kashmir stated that the party’s Media Incharge Kashmir, Adv. Sajid Yousuf Shah, and Social Media Incharge, Er. Sahil Bashir Bhat, were attacked by an unknown mob in Mirgund Pattan. PSOs were also seriously injured, the spokesman said.
Following the incident, SSP Baramulla Amod Nagpuri visited the area to review the situation. He assured residents that no action would be taken against anyone, acknowledging that water scarcity is a genuine concern that affects everyone. He said that the issue could be resolved through dialogue and appealed to the community not to resort to stone pelting.
“No action will be taken against anyone. Water scarcity is a genuine concern; neither you nor I can live without water. This issue can be resolved through talks. I appeal to you not to resort to stone pelting,” he said.
He also said that there is space for peaceful protest in democracy but no space for violence, and such things should be avoided.
He called on community leaders and residents to engage in dialogue and use democratic means to express their grievances.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla has announced the construction of a 60 crore water supply scheme to address the water deficit in the Pattan area.
Speaking to reporters in Pattan, he stated that the project’s goal is to provide a reliable and sustainable water supply to the entire region, alleviating long-standing issues of water scarcity.
He acknowledged that the project, which is already 75 percent complete, cannot be finished overnight but assured that work is progressing rapidly, with completion expected in the next 6-7 months.(KNS)
