“We Miss His Presence, His Works”: Locals Long for Roads, Lanes to Be Repaired
Srinagar, June 23,: Discontent is brewing among residents of Mehjoor Nagar, a key locality falling under the Chanapora Assembly Segment, as locals now openly express regret over the defeat of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party Chief Syed Altaf Bukhari in the recently concluded elections. The area is reeling under poor civic infrastructure, with damaged lanes, and unmacadamized by-lanes being the dominant concern.
“We are repenting our electoral decision,” said one elderly resident of Mehjoor Nagar. “We thought change would come, but we see no one now. Bukhari Sahib was always visible, always responsive.”
The Apni Party chief lost to National Conference candidate Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo, whose absence from public engagement since his victory has raised eyebrows among constituents. Several locals told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that they feel abandoned, with no sign of the newly elected MLA on the ground.
“We had full faith in Altaf Bukhari’s victory. His defeat came as a shock to those of us who believed in his model of round-the-clock presence and swift developmental action,” said Bilal Ahmad, a local youth. “Even the macadamization of roads has stopped. Before elections, Bukhari Sahib ensured things moved. Now nothing is moving.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, noting that the area has not witnessed a single development initiative since the new representative took charge. “From potholes to drainage issues, everything lies unattended,” said Abdul Rouf, a shopkeeper in the locality. “Say what you will, but Bukhari Sahib was accessible and acted swiftly.”
Locals now urge the administration and the elected representative to prioritize macadamization of lanes and by-lanes and the Mehjoor Nagar-Ram Bagh bund. [KNT]
