Awantipora, Feb 27: The residents of Awantipora and its adjoining areas have demanded construction of Musafir Khanas–a resting place for stranded passengers on the Srinagar- Jammu Highway.
 Bashir Ahmad, a local resident said: “We approached many senior officials in this regard and they assured us that they will construct resting places along the highway. But no action has been initiated in this regard so far.”
 Bashir flanked by others said during the closure of Highway hundreds of passengers who are stranded feel helpless as they are unable to find shelter, particularly during the evening and night hours.
 “Recently, a group of non-local residents who were going from Srinagar to Jammu were stranded due to landslides on the Highway. They were seeking shelter from locals, but no one was ready to provide them the accommodation,” locals said adding there were many such instances wherein stranded passengers were seen sleeping under the open sky during the chilling weather conditions.
 “It is shame on our part that we are not treating our guests properly. And particularly during the time, when they are in problem due to closure of Srinagar-Jammu Highway,” Ajaz Ahmad, a local resident said.
 “In every other state you will find places specially meant for stranded passengers. But it is unfortunate that in this area, there is no such place,” said a local.
 The inhabitants of Awantipora demanded that the government should allocate funds for the construction of resting places for travelers.
 We also appeal to the Waqf Board authorities if they can also contribute in the construction of such places,” they added.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 IST