By NAK,
Poonch: Eighteen long years of militancy had not only shattered the lives of the people of the border district of Poonch but it had stalled all the development works in district.
The most vital link between the people of the districts i.e. the roads remain in ramshackle condition since last 18 years and the worst affected was the 28 kiolmeters road stretch between Surankot to Poonch on Jammu Poonch National Highway. The poor condition of the road resulted in several tragic road mishaps and in last 18 years, hundreds of people lost their lives in accident on this road stretch.
However, several major militant attacks also took place on this road in which some army jawans and civilians lost their lives. As per rough estimate, 2090 militants were killed while at-least 3000 people lost their lives. Due to the threat of militancy, the repair of this road stretch was not carried out from last eighteen years.
News Agency of Kashmir highlighted the dilapidated condition of the road after which the administration geared up and started the work.
The much awaited inauguration of the Surankot-Poonch road is scheduled to be held sometime in November, 2008. Rs 8.50 Crore was allocated for the repair of road which has almost been spent by the authorities.
Dr Ibrar Iqbal told NAK that this 28 kilometer road stretch remained in shabby condition since last 18 years and he welcomed the repair.
However, the people of Poonch district were of the opinion that the road was constructed keeping in view opening of trade between India and Pakistan via Poonch Rawlakot road scheduled on October21, 2008.
CO 79RCC GREF Amy Shrivasatav, however, denied this saying that it was the part of regular repair work carried out by the GREF and not due to opening of trade the decision of which has been taken at-least a month ago. He said that soon the repair of other roads will be also completed.