Commuters suffer as PDP celebrates win

Our correspondent

Pulwama, December 24

Commuters in the Rajpora area of Pulwama district had a tough time as vehicular movement remained disrupted on the Pulwama-Keller road following the victory of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representative Dr Haseeb Drabu.

Drabu, a former J&K Bank chairman, beat Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir of National Conference by 4,273 votes to win the Rajpora Assembly seat.

There was a heavy traffic jam as Drabu’s victory march proceeded towards his native Rajpora village. More than three dozen vehicles were part of the celebratory procession.

Commuters alleged that the road remained blocked as Drabu’s cavalcade made frequent stops to acknowledge the PDP supporters, causing traffic jam on the Pulwama-Keller Road.

Some of the commuters termed the celebrations as “senseless” and “unwarranted grandiose show of power”.

“I have been stranded for the last two and half hours and it seems that I will not reach Pulwama in another two hours. I had an appointment with my doctor, but I fear I will miss it,” said Ghulam Hassan, a commuter.

Many students also alleged that they could not reach coaching institutes and had to return without attending the class.

“I had to reach the institute by 11 am. Since I was left stranded till 1:30 pm I returned to my home,” said Nuzhat Nabi, adding that our representatives should pay attention to the people rather than holding functions that eulogise them.

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, Sajad Ahmad Khan said he was not aware of the situation.