Anantnag, Dec 31: Residents of Joibal–Veeri village in south Kashmir’s Bijbehara area on Wednesday staged a protest against a proposed Bijbehara–Pahalgam railway line, saying the project would cut through orchards, paddy land and residential areas, threatening their livelihoods and displacement.
The protest comes days after railway authorities conducted a survey in the village for the proposed rail alignment, triggering concerns among locals that the project would consume large stretches of agricultural land and houses. “We are not against the railway line or development, but this alignment will destroy our orchards, paddy fields and even our homes,” said Ajaz Ahmad, 35, a resident of the village. “This project will snatch our livelihood and leave us homeless.”
Joibal area of Veeri village is home to around 100 households, most of whom depend on horticulture and agriculture for their income. Villagers said they have already lost a significant portion of land to the proposed four-lane Uranhall–Pahalgam highway, which is planned as a bypass to the existing Khanabal–Pahalgam (KP) road. “Earlier our land was taken for the highway. We did not oppose it much,” Ahmad said. “But now, taking our remaining land and houses for the railway has shattered us.” Another protester, Shahid Farooq, 30, said even educated youth in the village rely on farming and orchards for sustenance. “Most of us depend on horticulture and paddy cultivation,” Farooq said. “If that too is taken away, where will we go?”
Women also participated in the protest, expressing fear of displacement and loss of livelihood. Nayeema, a local resident, said her family has lived in the village for generations. “We are a family of 12. Where will we go?” she said. “We don’t want compensation. We want to live in peace and protect our livelihood.”
She said the village survives on agriculture and paddy cultivation. “Our generations have depended on orchards and paddy fields,” Nayeema said. “We live hand to mouth.” The protesters demanded intervention by the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor to stop the project or change its alignment.
Supporting the villagers, National Conference MLA from Bijbehara, Syed Bashir Ahmad Veeri, termed the proposed railway project ill-conceived and against public interest. “This project is ill-planned and against the interests of the people,” Veerai said. “First of all, why is there a need to take a railway line to Pahalgam? And even if it is taken, there is sufficient land available along the banks of the Lidder river.” “Why should the agricultural land, paddy fields, orchards and homes of the people be snatched?” he asked. Veeri said he has written to the chief minister seeking intervention and would lead a delegation to New Delhi if required to present the grievances of the villagers. Last year, residents of Dirhama village in Bijbehara had also protested against the same proposed railway project, saying it would cut through their orchards.