| As India progresses, Batnar suffers | | |  S Tahir-Ul Haq
Early Times Report
KUPWARA, Feb 3: No doubt India is developing rapidly as Apowerful nation, but there are still many places in North Kashmir's Kupwara district which needs due consideration from the state government in respect of tourism and these places lack all the basic facilities especially during winter ,which one should have in the 21st century.
The place is none other than the 'Batnar' a small valley, 24 kilometres from Kupwara town it is a place where miseries prevail like hell. The valley exudes a quite grandeur, a mystery half revealed and half concealed that is a part of a story older than man.
As one finds him or herself in the no man's land, deep silence which only those who tread softly and wait patiently that somebody may hear. The green lush trees speak something that I need not to be chopped off as I could help your future generations.
A local residents of Kuligam Mohammad Ashraf told Early Times that, "The streams passing through Batnar area look like as they are singing the old songs of Kashmir, which compels one to recall back the memories of 1987 to 1992, when rituals and traditions of Kashmiri culture was much alive than the present situations.
The pathways are quite prickly and exigent. One can only imagine the difficulties of the locals of the village like Gratnar, Khurhama, Doban, Kuligam, Kawari, Warnou, Ophan and other adjacent areas who, in many situations, have to face the terrain to move out. Historically speaking, Anwar Shah Kashmiri of SogamLolab used to visit the area by foot to acquire the teaching of Islam, narrates Ashraf.
Early Times correspondent visited the area and heard the ordeal of local residents, a trip to this village exposes you to a difficult terrain full of challenges even for travellers with Rocky Mountains and dense forests guarding the village at every instance.
Women folk of this village are seen mostly carrying wood from the nearby Lalpora forests, which is used for burning purposes. AafanBatnar is a nature's abode, full of natural beauty, simple and peaceful people. But this abode awaits some sincerity on part of the government which must initiate some developmental programs for the people here.
Another local resident of Batnar, Bashir Ahmad Gujar said that, "During the dry season they are able to go to the market but life becomes very difficult and challenging for them during the harsh winters. The valley remains cut off from the rest of the district headquarter due to heavy snowfall. We want to live in our village but primary facilities like hospitals, water, electricity and roads should be provided to us". One is really surprised to see the struggle of survival of the people of this village who have been bereft of basic facilities, said Bashir Ahmad. A little intervention from the government may help to solve the problems related to Health, Education, Roads, Electricity and connectivity etc. It is a pure case of determination of these simple hearted people that keeps them kicking. |
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