Keran still inaccessible

People stage protest, march towards LoC

SHAHID RAFIQ

Kupwara, Aug 8: Hundreds of people of Keran today staged protests and tried to march towards the Long of Control accusing the government of failing to restore the road connectivity of the area.
“Keran was ravaged by floods triggered by Kishenganga river and is still inaccessible due to the lackadaisical approach of the government,” the protestors said adding the road was completely washed away due to floods.Pertinently the flood situation in Keran continues to remain grim on 12th day on Sunday as Kishenganga is flowing above the danger mark. Due to this, residents of several low lying areas have shifted to the safer places. 
“Several acres of agriculture land have been inundated, hundreds of cattle perished and many low lying hamlets are still submerged,” residents of Keran told Greater Kashmir.
Flood has swept away most of the bridges including Mandyan, Dut, Frashi, Keran Bridge and interior culverts and completely washed away road stretch from Pathra to Kean. From Farkayan pass road has been closed due to land slides. Over 50 structures including 20 houses in proper Keran, Mandyan, Naga, Kundyan besides buildings of boys’ higher secondary school has suffered damage, sources said.
Most educational institutions in Keran including FCI’s Food go down has been damaged and thousands of quintals of ration was washed away by flash floods, said the residents.
“There is shortage of ration. The collapse of bridges means that food grains, medicines and other basic amenities can’t reach Keran as a result of which people will face hardships,” the residents added.“If the indifferent approach of the government continues, we will be forced to jump into the river to cross to other side of the Line of Control to get the relief,” the residents said.
MLA Karnah, Kafil-ul-Rehman told Greater Kashmir “I am stranded in Tangdhar and could not visit Keran as there is no road connectivity. I am waiting for the helicopter. I have taken up the matter with CM.”(GK)