Babhara Pulwama residents protest against proposed railway line, fear loss of livelihoods
Pulwama: Anger and anxiety gripped Babhara village in Pulwama district as residents staged a protest against the proposed Kakapora–Shopian railway line, alleging that the project threatens to destroy their orchards and fertile agricultural land — the sole source of livelihood for hundreds of families in the area.
The protest in Babhara mirrors similar unrest in neighbouring Shopian district, where farmers and orchard owners from Keegam and adjoining villages have been opposing the ongoing demarcation of land for the same railway project.
Locals allege that surveying teams have started installing poles and markers across productive fields without prior consultation or consent, triggering widespread resentment.
Holding placards and raising slogans, protesters in Babhara accused the government of pursuing “development without compassion.” They said that instead of generating employment or safeguarding farmers’ interests, authorities were pushing projects that would uproot people economically.
“Our orchards are our only source of livelihood. We don’t have factories, businesses or government jobs. Apples are what feed our families,” said Bashir, an orchard owner from Babhara. “If these orchards are taken away, how are we supposed to survive? Is this what development looks like?”
Residents said the railway alignment cuts through highly productive apple orchards and paddy fields, cultivated over decades with immense labour and investment. Many families in the belt depend entirely on horticulture, and even a small loss of land, they argue, would have devastating long-term consequences.
Bilal Ahmad a local PhD student said that instead of creating employment opportunities, the government is snatching our only sources of income.
He said that there is no need for such projects which are snatching livelihood sources instead of creating of employment opportunities.
Locals recalled that similar surveying had been carried out in the past but was halted after strong public opposition. The resumption of the demarcation, they said, has revived fear and uncertainty among horticultural families already struggling with rising input costs, climate change and market fluctuations.
“We are not against development or better connectivity,” said Waqar Ahmad, another farmer. “But development should not come at the cost of our existence. First protect our livelihoods, then talk about progress.”
The protesters appealed to the administration to immediately halt the demarcation process and initiate dialogue with affected communities. “Listen to the people before it’s too late,” they warned. “Without orchards, there is no future for us here — only barren land and broken promises.”
