Baramulla, Feb 11 (JKNS): Banking operations at Jammu and Kashmir Bank’s Hardushiva USB branch in Sopore have been severely affected due to an acute shortage of diesel, rendering the generator non-functional amid frequent power outages in the area.
Locals told news agency JKNS that services at the branch have remained disrupted for the past several days, causing immense inconvenience to customers. “We are visiting the bank repeatedly, but without power backup, systems remain shut most of the time. People requiring urgent financial transactions are suffering,” said a local resident.
Residents alleged that the crisis is due to a delay in fuel supply, with no immediate steps taken to restore normal functioning. Many customers are reportedly forced to travel to other areas to access basic banking facilities.
Lumberdar Mehraj U Din expressed concern over the situation, stating that the branch caters to more than a dozen villages. “If the USB unit cannot function properly, what is the purpose of having it here? We have scheduled power cuts in Kashmir, and the bank must ensure adequate diesel supply,” he said.
Former Sarpanch Jahangeer Reshi said that while the USB staff is cooperative, the issue lies with higher authorities. He alleged that repeated attempts to contact the concerned officials have not yielded any response.
Nazir Ahmad, another local, demanded that the Hardushiva USB unit be upgraded to a full-fledged branch, citing the large population it serves.
The residents have appealed to the J&K Bank management and district administration to intervene immediately and ensure uninterrupted banking services in the area.
Meanwhile, Officials when contact told JKNS that the issue will be looked into, while assuring early redessal.
“I will look into the issue and resolve it as soon as possible,” TP Sopore Branch Head Mushtaq Ahmad assured. (JKNS)
