People suffer as main road blocked in Pulwama village

PULWAMA — People in Rahmoo village of southern Valley’s Pulwama district on Thursday complained of inconvenience as a main road has been blocked from the past few days, halting movement of pedestrians as well as vehicles.

As per locals, the road has been blocked by the Army unit (53 RR) stationed in the area.

“We are facing a lot of hardships due to the blockade of road by the Army. We are not able to visit our orchards, spray pesticides and do other work as the area is hilly and short of water. We have to use tractors for transporting water for spray purposes,” a local resident, wishing anonymity, said.

He said, “This is a link road to tourist destination Yousmarg and other important places. Besides, people from other areas who are not informed about the road blockade also face inconvenience each day.”

The road, which has been blocked with barbed wires and wooden logs, forces the traffic—moving from Rahmoo to Pakherpora and back—to take alternate link road running through an orchard land belonging to local residents. As a result, local people are facing hardships as link road is not feasible for the movement of large vehicles.

“We believed that it was a temporary measure but we are now apprehensive that the road may be permanently blocked by the Army,” a resident said, while expressing his fears.

When contacted, the concerned Army Major said that the road has been blocked on the directions of Tehsildar Rajpora. “We will clear the road as soon as the Tehsildar communicates for the same,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tehsildar Rajpora, Raqib Ahmad confirmed the statement of Army officer and said that the step was taken as COVID-19 cases were showing an upward trend in Rahmoo village. “This was intended to restrict the movement of people. However, the cases are slowing down and we will throw open the road tomorrow,” he revealed.