Bandipora, Jan 23: Residents of Nowgam Sonawari and its adjacent areas in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district staged a protest on Thursday in the main market of Nowgam, demanding the establishment of a J&K Bank branch in the area.
Speaking to the media, social activist Nasir Rasool said that the plight of the local population. “We are demanding a J&K Bank branch in Nowgam as the area has a population of 30,000, but we are still deprived of basic banking facilities. Our elderly population faces significant challenges as they are forced to travel long distances, up to 5 kilometers, to access banking services in places like Sumbal,” he said.
The residents expressed disappointment with the authorities for failing to deliver on previous assurances. “The Chairman of J&K Bank had assured us earlier that a branch would be sanctioned soon, but no construction work has begun yet,” said one of the protestors.
The villagers appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene and address their long-standing demand. “We urge LG Manoj Sinha to take immediate action and establish a J&K Bank branch in Nowgam to alleviate the hardships faced by the people,” they said.
