Srinagar, May 19 (KNO): Social activist Ali Mohammad Jan on Tuesday reached Lal Chowk after undertaking a foot march from Kakapora in Pulwama district, carrying a large traditional Kashmiri cap on a hand-operated cart addressed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking immediate operationalisation of the long-pending Sub-District Hospital Kakapora.
The unusual protest, which drew attention along the route, was aimed at highlighting what the activist called “years of delay despite almost complete infrastructure”.
Jan, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the hospital building, constructed in 2018–19, is nearly ready but still non-functional, forcing patients to travel long distances for basic healthcare.
“SDH Kakapora is almost complete. Only 4 to 5 percent work is left. But unfortunately, people are suffering every day without healthcare facilities," he said.
Ali said the protest was peaceful and symbolic, not confrontational. “This big cap is a mark of respect for the Chief Minister. We want him to see the ground reality and start the hospital immediately,” he added.
Jan said the cap was handcrafted over nearly a month, calling it a “symbol of dignity and appeal” from the people of Kakapora.
“I have come on foot from Kakapora to Srinagar, as we want SDH Kakapora to be made functional without further delay. The hospital building is ready, but services are not starting. People are suffering, especially pregnant women and emergency patients,” he said.
He further urged the government to personally intervene in resolving pending technical or administrative issues delaying the hospital’s opening.
Jan referred to the administration under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging him to prioritise public health infrastructure projects already completed on the ground—(KNO)