By M S Nazki
The Hill Kaka, a remote and isolated village in Surankote area of Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, UT is grappling with severe challenges due to its lack of basic infrastructure and government support. The people of Hill Kaka are forced to carry pregnant women on a cot (charpai) for over 40 kilometers to reach the nearest hospital in Surankote, as the village has no road connectivity or transportation facilities. The villagers live without electricity, potable water, or Anganwadi services, and reaching Surankote takes an entire day on foot. Even basic healthcare is out of reach, as medical staff rarely reports for duty, leaving the residents to suffer in silence.
Education in Hill Kaka is another pressing issue. Although a government school has been established, the state authorities have shown little interest in ensuring its proper functioning. While a room was constructed for the school and teachers were assigned, they are often absent, leaving the children of Hill Kaka eager to learn but without a teacher to guide them. The Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir needs to intervene and provide these children with the education they deserve. Until then, the people of Hill Kaka continue to be deprived of opportunities for a better future.
Despite being part of the Mora Panchayat, which is about 40 kilometers away, Hill Kaka’s residents are unable to benefit from government schemes due to the lack of connectivity and basic services. The local people are largely illiterate and impoverished, yet they remain fiercely patriotic. In 2003, they fought alongside the Indian Army to clear the area of militants in the historic Operation ‘Sarp Vinash.’ Many locals lost their lives in this operation, and Hill Kaka remains the only village in Jammu and Kashmir where women members of the Village Defense Committee (VDC) participated in the fight against terrorism. The bravery of these martyrs will never be forgotten, yet their families continue to face hardships, with little support from the government.
The road connectivity issue has seen some progress with the construction of a 14-kilometer road from Bafliaz to Hill Kaka. However, only half of the road has been completed, and it remains in poor condition. The completion of this road is crucial for the overall development of the area and would help alleviate many of the difficulties faced by the residents.
The government’s promises to improve the lives of the people of Hill Kaka remain unfulfilled. While there has been some improvement since 2004, the lack of attention and proper governance continues to hinder the community’s progress. Residents question why the promises of development, education, and healthcare remain unmet, leaving them to wonder if the government is truly committed to their welfare.
The extension of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 to Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 was intended to ensure the land tenure, food security, and livelihood of traditional forest dwellers, including communities like the Gujjars and Bakerwals. However, these communities, including Hill Kaka’s residents, have found that the implementation of the FRA has made their lives even more difficult. The Forest Department’s response has been to restrict their rights, adding to their struggles.
The people of Hill Kaka need urgent intervention. Despite their history of sacrifice and patriotism, their needs remain largely ignored. The road to Hill Kaka needs to be completed, medical staff should be posted to the local aid center, and children should be admitted to schools to ensure their future. A fair price shop should be opened, especially during the summer months, and the residents should be provided with compensation for their sacrifices during Operation ‘Sarp Vinash.’ Additionally, the government must ensure that the village has access to clean drinking water, electricity, and basic sanitation services. Solar energy systems could provide a sustainable solution to their power needs.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, who has shown a commitment to addressing the issues faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, is urged to pay special attention to the residents of Hill Kaka. His intervention can help uplift the village and ensure that the people’s needs are addressed. The Home Minister and the Defense Minister of India should also issue directives to the concerned authorities to ensure that the people of Hill Kaka receive the facilities and support they deserve.
Hill Kaka’s bravery in the face of terrorism is a testament to its people’s resilience and patriotism. However, despite their sacrifices, they continue to face neglect from the government. It is time for the authorities to recognize their struggles and take meaningful action to improve their lives, so that the martyrs of Hill Kaka, who gave their lives for the nation, are honored with the basic rights and services they have long been denied.
