M. Jameel Ahmed Shahid
In the history of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, certain moments emerge that are not merely events but symbols of a movement, a vision, and the beginning of a new era. The public inauguration of the Rathoa Haryam Bridge stands as one such historic moment, when thousands of Kashmiris demonstrated their right to governance and sent a powerful message that decisions about the future of the state will no longer be made behind closed doors but in the presence and with the consent of the people.
The historic gathering, led by the Commander of the Core Members of the Public Joint Action Committee, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, was not just a ceremonial event. It was a powerful expression of the long struggle, sacrifices, and resilience of the people of the state. On that day, the Rathoa Haryam Bridge ceased to be merely a development project; it transformed into a symbol of public awareness, unity, and resistance.
Thousands of people from across the state—including Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur, Bhimber, and even distant areas like Taobat—made their way toward Islamgarh. Caravans of young people, determined elders, women participants, and families of martyrs all gathered at the bridge. Their presence clearly reflected that this was not merely a political rally but a manifestation of a rising public movement.
Rathoa Haryam Bridge — A Story of Twenty-Two Years of Neglect
The Rathoa Haryam Bridge is considered one of the most significant development projects in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The bridge connects both sides of the Jhelum River and serves as a vital route for thousands of people, facilitating social interaction, trade, and transportation across the region.
However, the unfortunate reality is that this project remained stalled for twenty-two years, falling victim to administrative negligence, corruption, and political indifference.
Over these two decades, several governments came and went. Ministers enjoyed the privileges of power, political parties raised slogans in the name of the people, yet no serious efforts were made to complete this critical project. The public was repeatedly given promises and statements, but little practical work followed.
According to political observers, the prolonged delay in the completion of this bridge reflects the failure of a governance system where personal interests often take precedence over public welfare. The story of Rathoa Haryam Bridge illustrates how development projects can become casualties of political apathy when rulers grow distant from the people.
The Resistance of the Public Joint Action Committee
In such circumstances, the Public Joint Action Committee (AJK) emerged as a beacon of hope. The committee took upon itself the responsibility of highlighting public issues and demanding the fundamental rights of the people.
Along with raising concerns about electricity tariffs, flour prices, and other socio-economic issues, the completion of the Rathoa Haryam Bridge was also included as a major demand in the committee’s Charter of Demands.
Shaukat Nawaz Mir and his fellow leaders repeatedly emphasized that when governments fail to fulfill their responsibilities, it becomes the duty of the people to raise their voices. This belief led the committee to organize protests, rallies, and public mobilization, creating immense pressure on the authorities.
Eventually, this growing public pressure played a decisive role in pushing the stalled project toward completion. It is widely believed that without the continuous struggle of the Public Joint Action Committee, the bridge might have remained buried in bureaucratic files for many more years.
Public Inauguration — A Symbolic Yet Historic Act
When thousands gathered on the Rathoa Haryam Bridge and Shaukat Nawaz Mir, along with his fellow leaders, formally inaugurated it, the act was far more than a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. It represented a symbolic declaration that the true power lies with the people.
The emotions of those present were extraordinary. Slogans of “Right to Governance,” “Power to the People,” and “Long Live Public Unity” echoed throughout the area.
Young participants carried banners and flags, raising their voices for justice and dignity. The atmosphere was charged with determination and hope.
A particularly moving moment came when the parents and families of the martyrs of the movement were invited to sit on the stage. Their presence added deep emotional meaning to the gathering, reminding everyone that the struggle for public rights has demanded real sacrifices.
The Revolutionary Address of Shaukat Nawaz Mir
Addressing the historic gathering, Shaukat Nawaz Mir delivered a powerful and uncompromising speech. He strongly criticized the ruling elite, stating that the bridge had been deliberately neglected for twenty-two years because the priorities of the rulers were not public welfare but personal gain.
He argued that successive governments ignored the suffering of the people while focusing on maintaining their own privileges and luxuries.
Mir further stated that when the Public Joint Action Committee began its movement and raised the banner of resistance, the corridors of power were shaken. According to him, no government can stand for long when confronted with the united strength of the people.
He emphasized that the real heirs of the Rathoa Haryam Bridge are the people of Kashmir and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for public rights, not the political elites who tried to claim credit.
Strong Warning to the Government
Other leaders of the Public Joint Action Committee, including Advocate Saad Ansari, Advocate Danish, Umar Nazir, and Syed Yasir Shah, also addressed the gathering.
They issued a strong warning to the government, demanding the complete implementation of the committee’s Charter of Demands by May 31.
They declared that if the government fails to fulfill these demands within the given deadline, the movement will enter a new and decisive phase.
The leaders announced that after June 9, the struggle for the people’s right to governance will intensify, and no further negotiations will take place.
They also warned that if the authorities continue to ignore the demands of the people, thousands of citizens will march toward the Legislative Assembly and will not return until the rulers responsible for public suffering are held accountable.
A New Era of Public Awakening
Political analysts believe that the massive gathering at Rathoa Haryam Bridge marks the beginning of a new era of public awakening in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
The people are no longer silent spectators. They are becoming organized, aware, and determined to claim their rightful place in shaping the political future of their region.
This movement is not limited to a single bridge or a single project. Rather, it represents a broader awakening of public consciousness and the determination of ordinary citizens to demand justice, dignity, and accountability.
History has repeatedly shown that when people unite for a common cause, even the most powerful structures of authority are forced to respond.
Conclusion
The public inauguration of the Rathoa Haryam Bridge sends a powerful message to both rulers and citizens.
To the rulers, it is a reminder that ignoring public needs will inevitably lead to resistance. And to the people, it is proof that unity, determination, and collective struggle can transform even the most difficult challenges into achievements.
Today, the Rathoa Haryam Bridge stands not only as a physical structure of steel and concrete but also as a symbol of public resistance, sacrifice, and hope.
In the coming days, it will become clear whether the authorities choose to listen to the voice of the people or whether the state will witness an even stronger wave of public mobilization.
But one thing is certain: the sea of people that gathered on the Rathoa Haryam Bridge has already written a memorable chapter in history—one that will remind future generations that the people of Kashmir stood united for their right to govern their own destiny.