JK Deputy speaker urges PM for construction of Bandipora-Gurez tunnel

The Deputy speaker of J-K Legislative Assembly, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi today appealed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to take up construction of a tunnel between Bandipora and Gurez and help maintaining all-weather connectivity for the residents of border town.

Gurezi made the appeal as residents of Gurez sub-district in Bandipora district have been on protest from last week, seeking tunnel connectivity to their area along the Line of Control (LoC).

The picturesque valley along the LoC in north Kashmir usually remains cut off from rest of the country -- six months every year -- owing to heavy snowfall during winter.

"The area remains disconnected for several months in winters causing immense hardship to the people of the area," Gurezi said.

He said better connectivity would help in increasing tourist footfall beside opening new avenues for further development of the area.

Gurezi also asked the state government to take this important issue with the centre government on priority and save the people of the far-flung area from inconveniences caused due to being cut off from rest of the country for several months.