KD Correspondent
Bandipora, Feb 7: Political and social activist Hamida Jan on Friday visited Aloosa tehsil in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district following the Lieutenant Governor’s assurance to establish a Fire and Emergency Services station in the area, a long-pending demand of local residents.
Aloosa, one of the largest tehsils in the district, has remained without a fire service facility for decades, forcing residents to rely on distant stations in Bandipora and Sumbal during emergencies. The delayed response has repeatedly resulted in major losses, with several houses and shops gutted in fire incidents over the past few years.
During her visit, Hamida Jan met affected families and local delegations, who highlighted how the absence of a nearby fire station has left them exposed to disasters. She said the LG’s assurance has revived hope but warned that promises must translate into action on the ground.
“Announcements alone will not save homes. Aloosa needs a fully functional fire station with manpower and equipment,” Hamida Jan said, urging the administration to expedite land identification and staff deployment.
She also said she would continue to raise the voices of poor and marginalized people.
Criticising Bandipora legislators, Hamida Jan alleged that local representatives remember people only during elections. “Poor residents are used as a vote bank and then forgotten once the elections are over,” she said.
Locals appreciated her intervention. “Our area keeps suffering while our representatives chase fame. Hamida Jan came here to listen,” said Abdul Rashid, a shopkeeper.
