Hirpora Shopian residents demand reopening of Mughal road
Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian: Residents of Hirpora hamlet in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have urged the administration to reopen the historic Mughal Road, citing severe economic hardships due to its continued closure.
The road, which connects Shopian to Rajouri and Poonch districts in the Jammu division, remains shut due to winter snowfall, cutting off a vital trade and travel route.
Locals, particularly those running shops and businesses along the route, said the closure has drastically impacted their livelihoods.
“Since the road closed, there has been no customer footfall in Hirpora. Our shops are deserted, and we are struggling to make ends meet,” said Ghulam Ahmad, a shopkeeper in the area.
The Mughal Road is not only a key alternative route between Kashmir and Jammu regions but also a lifeline for many villagers who depend on the seasonal influx of travellers for income.
Residents argue that weather conditions have improved significantly in recent weeks and that there is no longer any justification for the road to remain closed.
Another local, Bilal Hussain, said, “The administration should expedite the snow clearance from both sides and ensure the road is reopened without further delay. We can’t survive without business, and the Mughal Road is essential for our survival.”
Several residents have appealed to the LG, CM and the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir to prioritize the reopening, emphasizing that it will also help reduce traffic congestion on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
They said that this road is lifeline both people of Hirpora hamlet and parts of Surankote area in Poonch and it must be opened at the earliest.
Residents remain hopeful that their voices will be heard at an earliest and the road will be open which they see as their only chance for economic recovery.
Meanwhile, an official said that decision about the re-opening of the Mughal road is expected in coming week.
