Villagers Seek Immediate Intervention from Higher Authorities

Bandipora, J & K : Despite living in an increasingly connected digital world, several remote villages in Block Baktoor of Gurez Valley in Bandipora district continue to struggle with the lack of basic mobile network connectivity.

Villages located close to the Line of Control (LoC), including Izmarg, Jalindora, Chountiwari, New Basti and Nayal, are reportedly facing persistent network problems, leaving residents dependent on difficult and unreliable means of communication.

According to local residents, the issue has persisted for a long time despite repeated assurances from the concerned authorities that adequate mobile connectivity would be provided. However, they said that little visible progress has been made on the ground so far.

Speaking to the media, former Sarpanch of Kanzalwan, Ghulam Mohideen Lone, said the absence of reliable mobile connectivity has created serious difficulties for people living in these remote and strategically important areas.

He said residents are often compelled to travel considerable distances or climb to higher locations merely to make a phone call or access the internet. He added that the issue has been brought to the notice of the concerned authorities on several occasions, but a permanent solution is still awaited.

“Mobile connectivity is no longer a luxury. It has become an essential service, particularly for people living in remote and border areas,” Lone said, stressing that poor network coverage is affecting students, traders, employees and ordinary residents who rely on mobile services for education, communication, digital payments and access to government services.

Another local resident, Lone Afridi, said villagers have been facing the problem for years and often find it difficult to remain in contact with their families or access essential online services.

He said the lack of connectivity becomes even more serious during emergencies, when residents may need to contact hospitals, police, administration or relatives. The absence of a reliable communication network can cause significant delays at times when immediate assistance is required.

Afridi also highlighted the difficulties faced by students, saying poor connectivity prevents them from attending online classes, downloading study material and accessing educational resources effectively.

He urged the concerned authorities and telecom service providers to conduct a comprehensive assessment of network coverage in the affected villages and take concrete measures to establish the required infrastructure without further delay.

The residents have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, to intervene personally and ensure that mobile towers and other necessary communication infrastructure are installed in the affected areas at the earliest.

Residents said reliable mobile connectivity is particularly important in border villages, where communication plays a crucial role in education, healthcare, emergency response, digital transactions and access to government services.

The villagers expressed hope that the authorities will take immediate and tangible steps to address the longstanding issue and ensure that people living in these remote areas are not left behind in the digital age.

Report By – Aadil Abdullah