Shabroz Malik
Pattan 25 ,August : Residents of Khanapath Singhpora and adjoining villages are facing severe hardships after a crucial wooden bridge—connecting multiple villages—was deliberately set on fire by unidentified miscreants under the cover of darkness. The bridge, which served as a lifeline for the local population, has been rendered completely unusable, triggering widespread anger and protests among villagers.
The bridge was the primary link between Khanapath, Singhpora, and several other nearby hamlets. Its destruction has brought normal life to a standstill. Students are unable to reach schools and colleges, patients face immense difficulty in accessing medical facilities, and the supply of essential goods has been severely disrupted.
Local residents staged strong protests, demanding immediate action from the authorities. The demonstrators alleged that anti-social elements were behind this act of sabotage with the intention of disturbing peace in the region. They warned that if those responsible are not identified and punished at the earliest, they would be forced to launch a large-scale agitation.
Speaking to the media, a local residents, expressed his anguish:
“This bridge was a vital necessity for our daily lives. From children’s education to transporting patients and meeting everyday needs, everything depended on this link. By destroying it, these miscreants have made our lives miserable.”
The protesters have urged the SDPO Pattan and the local police administration to carry out a thorough investigation and bring the culprits to justice. They emphasized that such incidents are aimed at spreading fear and unrest and must be dealt with strictly to prevent recurrence.
In addition, villagers appealed to the district administration to ensure the immediate repair or reconstruction of the damaged bridge. They cautioned that any delay in restoring this connectivity would not only disrupt educational activities but also exacerbate the difficulties faced by residents, potentially leading to greater public resentment.
It is noteworthy that the bridge, in use for several years, was the only convenient passage for thousands of people in the region. In the absence of this route, residents are now compelled to take long detours through alternative pathways, resulting in added expenses and significant loss of time.
Public representatives and locals have urged the district authorities and the state government to allocate necessary funds for the bridge’s reconstruction on an urgent basis. They have also called for implementing effective security measures to ensure such destructive incidents do not occur in the future.
