Bijbehara residents protest over lack of basic facilities
Demand intervention of MLA, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag
Anantnag: The residents of G.B. Khalal (Naina) village in Sangam Bijbehara area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district have expressed deep resentment over the absence of basic facilities in their locality, saying the village still remains “far behind in development” despite repeated pleas to the administration.
Locals said that even in 2025 and living just few hundred metres from National Highway the area lacks several essential services needed for dignified and modern living.
“We don’t have any proper healthcare facility in the village. For even minor treatment, we have to travel several kilometres,” said Abdul Rashid, a local resident. “If someone falls seriously ill at night, we have no option but to shift the patient to Bijbehara or Anantnag. This is risky and unnecessary.”
Residents said that G.B. Khalal Sangam belt also suffers from poor access to clean drinking water, while the road leading to the village is in shabby condition.
“Look at the road condition—this stretch hasn’t seen proper repairs for years. Even ambulances hesitate to enter this area,” said another resident, Mushtaq Ahmad.
They further alleged that the local government school in the area is functioning without adequate teaching staff, leaving students to suffer.
“Our children are the worst sufferers. The school doesn’t have enough teachers, and students are unable to receive quality education. What future can we expect for our children in such conditions?” asked Fazila, a mother of two.
Residents said despite approaching concerned officials multiple times, nothing concrete has been done on ground.
“It seems like we have been pushed centuries behind modern times,” locals said.
The villagers appealed to the current government especially MLA Bijbehara and Deputy Commissioner Anantnag to personally intervene and direct all concerned departments to ensure the availability of basic amenities including healthcare, drinking water, road repairs and adequate staff in the school.
