Kupwara, Jun 1 (JKNS): The border region of Karnah is counted among those few constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir that have not only witnessed political instability but have also faced countless challenges, including natural disasters, border tensions, and a lack of basic amenities.
Located near the Line of Control (LoC), this beautiful valley holds a unique political history alongside its geographical significance.
Over the past four decades, various political figures have been elected as public representatives from the Karnah assembly constituency. In 1983, Abdul Ghani Lone represented this constituency, while in 1987, Sharifuddin Shariq was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). In 1996, 2002, and 2008, Kafil-ur-Rehman Khan reached the assembly for three consecutive terms to represent the area.
Following him, Raja Manzoor Ahmad was elected in 2014, while in the 2024 assembly elections, Javed Ahmad Mirchal secured victory and took over the representation of the constituency.
Political observers believe that every elected representative made efforts to resolve public issues during their respective tenures.
However, when it comes to major developmental projects and infrastructure in Karnah, the name of Ghulam Nabi Azad, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, is mentioned with special reverence even though he was never an elected MLA from this constituency.
According to the elders and social activists of Karnah, Ghulam Nabi Azad took such steps for the development of this border region during his brief tenure in power that their impacts can still be clearly felt today.
During his government, the new building of the Sub-District Hospital Tangdhar was constructed, which currently serves as the primary hub of healthcare services for the entire region. Although the hospital still faces challenges like a shortage of specialist doctors and staff, the construction of the modern building instilled a new hope in the delivery of medical facilities.
“The construction of the modern hospital building instilled a new hope in the delivery of medical facilities.”
Ghulam Nabi Azad’s contributions to the education sector cannot be forgotten either. It was during his tenure that Karnah was granted the vital facility of a Degree College. As a result, the compulsion for the local youth to travel to other parts of the valley or outside Jammu and Kashmir to pursue higher education was significantly reduced. Local residents say that the establishment of the Degree College promoted educational awareness in Karnah and gave a new direction to the future of hundreds of young people.
Ghulam Nabi Azad also played an important role in the development of religious institutions.
During his tenure, financial assistance of approximately two crore rupees was provided for the Jamia Masjid Shah-e-Hamdan Tangdhar, through which several construction and expansion projects of the mosque were completed. Local religious and social circles still view this step with great respect.
However, the aspect of Ghulam Nabi Azad’s personality that the people of Karnah remember the most is his public commitment and empathy during the devastating earthquake of 2005. The horrific earthquake that struck on October 8, 2005, caused severe damage to the entirety of Karnah.
Hundreds of houses collapsed, educational institutions were destroyed, and thousands of families were affected. In this hour of grief, Ghulam Nabi Azad visited the affected areas repeatedly and personally supervised the relief operations.
Elders of the area still recall that after the earthquake, Ghulam Nabi Azad spent both Eid festivals in Karnah among the public.
His presence was not merely an official visit but a message of courage and hope for the affected people. During those days, the homeless and distressed families did not feel isolated; they felt that the government stood with them in their pain and sorrow.
Many social activists and intellectuals of Karnah believe that although various political leaders served the area during different eras, Ghulam Nabi Azad’s role in terms of infrastructure, health, education, and public connection holds a unique position. This is the reason why, even today, whenever the developmental history of Karnah is written, his name stands out prominently.
The current generation of this border area might not be familiar with all past political eras, but the hospital building, the Degree College, and other developmental projects still bear witness to the steps taken for the progress and prosperity of this region. (JKNS)
