Rajouri, Dec 28: Residents of Behrote today staged a protest against the Public Works Department (PWD) over the abrupt stoppage of work on a road project that was sanctioned under the State Plan in 2023. The protesters alleged that despite repeated assurances, the department has failed to complete the much-needed road, causing severe inconvenience and losses to the local population According to the locals, the execution of the project was initially delayed due to the non-availability of land. However, in the larger public interest, residents later voluntarily donated their land to facilitate the construction. Following this, several officers of the PWD, including the Executive Engineer (ExEn), visited the spot, and the work was started and continued for about three days.

The protesters expressed surprise and resentment that the work was suddenly stopped again for unknown reasons. They further alleged that during the brief period of construction, parts of their orchards were damaged, resulting in financial losses, while the road work itself remains incomplete.
The aggrieved residents demanded that the department should immediately resume and complete the road project. Alternatively, they demanded adequate compensation for the losses suffered due to damage to their orchards and land The locals have appealed to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory to personally look into the matter, order a proper inquiry, and direct the concerned department to ensure justice to the affected people at the earliest.
The protest remained peaceful, with residents asserting that the road is a vital link for the area and its completion is essential for daily commuting, emergency services, and overall development of Behrote.