Abbaspur, Poonch, Pakistan-Administered Kashmir – Frustrated by the prolonged delay in the construction of a crucial 6-kilometer road from Mati Post to Chattra Mor, residents of Sathwal Dhassi Ward in Union Council Chattra staged a massive protest today. Despite the tender being awarded, the stalled construction has left the community disconnected and angry, leading to a forceful demonstration.
Peaceful March Turns Into Vocal Protest
The protesters, led by local councilor Sardar Ehsan Shafiq, District Council candidate Sardar Mazhar Chughtai, and other public representatives, marched on foot from Mati Post to Abbaspur. Chanting slogans such as “Takbeer, Allahu Akbar!” (God is Great), “Humare Mutalibat Puri Karo!” (Fulfill Our Demands), and “Sathwal Road Ka Work Order Jari Karo!” (Issue the Work Order for Sathwal Road), the demonstrators demanded immediate action.
The march culminated in a public gathering at Meelad Chowk, where councilors, chairmen, and local leaders from various political parties voiced strong support for the road’s construction. Protesters criticized the Pakistan-administered Kashmir government, shouting “Na-Ahal Qiyadat Murdabad!” (Down with Incompetent Leadership) and “Hukumat-e-Azad Kashmir Murdabad!” (Down with the Azad Kashmir Government).
A Long-Pending Demand
The Sathwal road project, vital for connectivity and economic activity, has seen repeated delays despite the tender process being completed. Locals accuse the government of negligence, leaving them stranded with poor infrastructure.
As of the latest reports, the protest continues, with demonstrators vowing to escalate their movement unless their demands are met. The situation highlights growing public discontent over stalled development projects in the region.
(Reporting by The Azadi Times – Kashmir)