Pattan Bypass Work Halted Again as Farmers Block Road Over Compensation Dispute

Shabroz Malik

Pattan, April 22: Construction work on the Pattan–Hanjiwara bypass has been halted once again after farmers from Palhallan blocked the newly constructed road at Palhallan in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district , intensifying their protest over pending compensation and missing land records.

The protesters said that at least 57 kanals of land are missing from official records, which has become a major reason behind the protest, with farmers alleging that the actual acquired land does not match government documents

The protesting farmers said payment for land acquired for the project remains unpaid, while several also pointed to discrepancies in land records, alleging that portions of land are either missing from official documents or not properly accounted for.

The blockade brought construction activity to a complete standstill, nearly a month after work had resumed following an earlier halt triggered by similar concerns.

Meanwhile the farmers have demanded immediate release of compensation and correction of land records, making it clear that work will not be allowed to continue until their grievances are addressed.