Suhail Rather
Bandipora, often known as the land of knowledge and a cradle of culture, remains a neglected corner of Jammu and Kashmir. But there’s one thread that binds Bandipora’s fate—the road that connects it to the world beyond. This road, or lack thereof, is more than just asphalt and gravel; it’s the lifeline that holds our dreams hostage.
The candidates for the Baramulla parliamentary constituency, using loudspeakers, traverse the dusty roads of Bandipora. They speak of progress, development, and change, but their words fall like autumn leaves, failing to make a lasting impact.
Not a single voter dares to ask them the burning questions that haunt our nights: What will you do for Bandipora? What about our youth, our health system, our education? And above all, what about the road that connects us to Srinagar?
Imagine a desperate father, clutching his ailing child, racing against time to reach the hospital in Srinagar. The road from Bandipora to Srinagar is treacherous—a winding path that tests both patience and hope. Each pothole is a reminder of our vulnerability, each delay a silent scream. Will they make it in time? Or will the road claim another life?
Bandipora is not just a name on the map; it’s a story waiting to be told. Our land is blessed with natural beauty—majestic mountains, serene lakes, and lush green meadows. Tourism could be our lifeline, our path to prosperity. But the missing road is a chasm that separates us from that dream. Decades pass, and still, we wait.
Our children deserve better. The educational stalwarts who have set up schools across Kashmir seem to have overlooked Bandipora. Why? Because we lack that one crucial thing—the road. Our students cling to outdated textbooks, while the world races ahead. No wonder we haven’t produced a single IAS officer in the last decade. Quality education remains a distant dream.
This time, Bandipora, let’s vote for our future. Let’s vote for the suffering we endure daily—the bumpy rides, the missed opportunities, the unfulfilled dreams. Let’s vote for a brighter tomorrow, where Bandipora’s name shines not in silence but in the halls of progress.
I am a resident of Bandipora, a witness to its struggles, and a believer in its potential. My pen trembles as I write these words, hoping that they will reach the hearts of those who hold the power to change our fate. Bandipora deserves more than empty promises—it deserves action, compassion, and a road that leads to hope.
Note: The views expressed in this opinion piece are solely those of the author and do not represent any political party or organization.
