The highway township of Pampore, famous for the world-class saffron produced from the carevas around it, seems to have lost its sheen due to the declining production for multiple reasons and an “indifferent and apathetic” approach of the authorities over the years.
The latest grouse of the people is the coalition government’s decision to select the site for establishing the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Awantipora instead of Galandhar, close to the saffron town overlooking the vast carevas producing the costliest spice. Even as the government is yet to give its final nod to set up the AIIMS at Awantipora, representatives of various social, trade and religious organisations held demonstrations in support of their demands here today.
“In case the government fails to give an assurance to set up the AIIMS in Pampore, we will be forced to resort to other means in support of our demand,” said Mohammad Sultan, a representative leader.
