Qazigund (Kulgam), April 29 -- In a remote forested hamlet in south Kashmir's Kulgam district, residents say the promise of safe drinking water remains elusive even decades after Independence. The Gujjar Basti at Pratap Pora Lammar in Qazigund continues to grapple with acute water scarcity, with locals alleging that repeated assurances by authorities have not translated into action.

Despite the Centre's flagship Jal Jeevan Mission aimed at ensuring piped water supply to every household, villagers here say they have yet to see any tangible change. Residents staged a protest, voicing anger over what they described as long-standing administrative neglect.

"We honoured our elected MLA Peerzada Feroze Ahmad Shah when he visited us, hoping ou...