Srinagar: Residents of Baramulla district in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir took to the streets to protest against the Indian authorities for failing to maintain the region’s roads, which have been neglected for several years.

According to reports from Kashmir Media Service, local shopkeepers and residents of Old Town Baramulla staged a demonstration to voice their grievances about the poor condition of roads, particularly the stretch running along the Jhelum River from Azad Gunj to Khadniyar. The protesters assembled near Kakar Hamam, blocking the Srinagar-Uri Highway for hours, while chanting slogans against the administration for not addressing the longstanding issue.

The demonstrators highlighted that the road is filled with potholes, causing significant inconvenience for commuters and posing threats to public safety. Muhammad Amin, a local resident, remarked, “The entire Old Town area has been ignored by the administration for years.”

Amin added that despite repeated protests, no meaningful action has been taken by the authorities. He noted that businesses have been adversely affected, leading to the decision to close shops in protest. “The young and the elderly are fed up with these worsening conditions,” he stated.

The protest was described as a last resort after the residents’ demands were repeatedly overlooked. The locals remained firm in their stance, demanding concrete assurance from the authorities before calling off their protest. They warned of escalating their actions if their grievances are not addressed promptly.