By Firdous Ahmad Najar
Arin, a notably populous village in Bandipora district, along with its neighboring communities such as Shamthan, Dardpora, Sumlar, chontimullah, Kudara, Ranghoma, Shokbaba, T.A. Shah, Gori-Hajin, and Konan, is home to a combined population of approximately 18,000 residents.
Despite being an active and economically emerging area, these villages continue to face acute shortages of essential public services that are fundamental for safety, convenience, and daily living. The lack of critical infrastructure such as a Fire and Emergency Station and ATM facilities has left residents vulnerable and inconvenienced, pushing them into a state of deep distress and prompting strong appeals for immediate government attention.
The lack of a Fire and Emergency Station has become a major concern for the people of Arin and its adjoining villages. In emergency situations, residents are forced to rely on distant facilities located at the Bandipora headquarters, several kilometers away. This delay in response can often lead to devastating consequences.
A tragic example of this occurred in March this year, when a massive fire broke out at the residence of Gh.Hassan Khan, commonly known as Seena Khan in Dardpora. Despite the community’s best efforts to control the blaze, the absence of a nearby fire station resulted in a delayed response. By the time the Fire and Emergency team from Bandipora arrived, the house had already been reduced to ashes. Reflecting on this painful incident, Ghulam Hassan Khan, a local resident of Dardpora and former Sarpanch, expressed deep concern. He stated, “If a Fire and Emergency Station had been established nearby, the house could have been saved.” His words echoed the sentiment of many residents who continue to live in fear of similar tragedies due to the lack of immediate emergency services.
Recently, on 2nd November of this month, another very fatal fire incident occurred in the grand house of Ishfaq Ahmad Malla of Khairpora Arin. The fire broke out abruptly around 1:35 p.m., just as a nearby household was hosting a grand marriage function. All the guests were about to take their feast when the fire came into their notice.
In a heroic display of community spirit, the invitees immediately rushed toward the burning house and used about six to seven thousand litres of stored water from a nearby orchard. Some of the young guests put their lives at risk and managed to control the fire, restricting the damage to the roof of the house only.
“The marriage function and the stored water made it possible to save the house from full damage; otherwise, the situation would have been very critical,” said Mr. Mohammad Iqbal Wani, a respected local teacher and brother-in-law of the fire victim. By the time the Fire and Emergency personnel reached the spot, the fire had already been completely extinguished by the brave locals. This incident once again underscores the urgent and undeniable need for a Fire and Emergency Station in Arin.
Arin and its adjoining villages, known for their apple cultivation, play a vital role in sustaining the local economy of the area. The region’s fertile land support hundreds of families whose livelihood depends on the apple trade. The area also hosts a bustling marketplace that attracts people from surrounding villages, serving as a hub of daily business and social interaction. However, despite these economic activities, another major concern persists, the absence of an ATM facility in Arin and and its neighbouring areas.
In today’s digital age, where access to quick financial services is crucial, residents of these villages continue to face significant hardships. The nearest ATM facility, located at Bandipora, is miles away, forcing villagers to travel long distances for simple cash withdrawals.
This problem not only causes inconvenience but also affects the local economy, particularly for small traders and shopkeepers who rely heavily on cash transactions.
Highlighting this issue, Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Mir, the President of the Shopkeepers’ Association, Arin, emphasized, “The establishment of an ATM at Arin would serve as a lifeline to the businesses of the area, especially for the shopkeepers.” He explained that the unavailability of cash withdrawal facilities discourages customers from making purchases, directly impacting daily sales and reducing the overall economic activity in the market.
Furthermore, District Development Council (DDC) Member, Mr. Ghulam Mohidin Rather, has repeatedly voiced concern over these pressing issues. He stated that he has raised the matter several times before the concerned authorities, highlighting the urgent need for both a Fire and Emergency Station and ATM facilities in the region.
“Despite repeated assurances by the authorities, nothing has been done to ease the sufferings of the people of Arin and its adjacent villages,” Mr. Rather remarked, expressing disappointment over the continued neglect of the area’s basic needs.
It is worth mentioning that Arin and its adjoining villages, having a large number of voters, always remain a deciding factor in every election contest for the Bandipora Assembly constituency. During election campaigns, the area becomes a primary focus for all contesting candidates, who visit frequently, make promises, and seek the people’s support. The residents of Arin are known for their dynamic participation in the democratic process, turning out in large numbers to vote for their preferred candidates.
However, once the elections conclude, no one returns to address their grievances or to ease their hardships, leaving the people disheartened and neglected despite their active political engagement.
Residents strongly believe that addressing these two pressing needs, a Fire and Emergency Station and ATM services, would not only enhance public safety but also stimulate the local economy. The presence of these facilities would ensure quicker emergency responses, reduce financial barriers for small businesses, and provide much-needed convenience to the community.
As Arin and its adjacent villages continue to grow in population and economic importance, the lack of such fundamental infrastructure stands as a glaring gap in public service delivery. The people of these villages have now come together with a strong and unified demand and an earnest request:
They earnestly appeal to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Worthy Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora to take immediate cognizance of these pressing issues. The people of Arin and its adjoining villages: including Dardpora, Shamthan, Sumlar, Ranghoma, Shokbaba, T.A. Shah, Gori-Hajin, and Konan, have long been facing hardships due to the absence of essential facilities such as a Fire and Emergency Station and ATM services.
This collective plea from the residents is not merely a request; it is a heartfelt call for safety, dignity, and progress. Establishing these much-needed facilities in Arin is vital to ensure the security, convenience, and development of these vibrant communities. The time has come for the administration to act decisively and translate long-standing assurances into action, so that the people of this region finally receive the essential services they rightfully deserve.
Addressing these concerns will not only improve the quality of life in Arin and its neighbouring villages but also strengthen public trust in governance, reflecting a true commitment to inclusive development and responsive administration.
The writer is resident of Arin Bandipora and can be reached at njfirdous090@gmail.com
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