Life in many frontier areas of Kupwara district has come to a standstill as the crucial link of Sadhna pass continued to remain blocked with heavy snow for at least 19 days.
The continuous closure of Sadhna Top has led to the suffering of people living along the border areas like Karnah and Tangdhar.
“We are suffering immensely due to the closure of the road. We are short of basic living amenities, no gas, no vegetables available here besides other basic needs,” said Zubair Ahmad, a resident of Tangdhar.
Similarly, the road connecting Keran with Kupwara town is closed from Farkiyan following heavy snowfall this winter. Also, the Z-gali connecting Machil areas with district headquarters is also closed from last 45 days.
“Snow clearance at Sadhna Top is going on but due to bad weather we are getting some problems,” said Akash, second in command of project Beacon Kupwara that maintains the crucial border road.
Residents in Keran said no basic facilities were available in the area and the administration was not paying any heed.
“For three months now roads are closed. We requested the administration so many times but to no avail. Every time we are being assured that roads will be opened, but all in vain,” said Tasleem Ahmad Khan, a resident of Keran. The road connecting Keran with Kupwara was expected to be cleared of snow and opened for vehicular traffic soon.
The road leading to Zunreshi village of Chowkibal is yet to be cleared with residents complaining that only the portion leading up to the Sarpanch’s home was cleared, said Ishfaq Ahmad of Zunreshi.
Electricity supply to Keran also remained cut for a week at a stretch recently.