Amid Highway blockade, Stranded drivers find support in Vessu as Kashmiri Pandits arrange food and water

September 9, 2025 by News Desk

Suhail Dar

In view of the continued closure of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, Kashmiri Pandits from the migrant colony in Vessu, Anantnag, have come together to arrange food, water, and other essentials for stranded drivers. Every day, more than 2,000 rotis are prepared along with sabzi, with both men and women volunteering for the cause.

“This is our small way of sharing the pain of those stuck on the highway,” said Sanjay Pandita, a resident of the Vessu migrant colony. “For the last week, we have been pooling whatever resources we can. It is heartening to see our community come forward voluntarily, contributing flour, vegetables, and their time. Humanity comes before everything else.”

Another volunteer, Rajinder Nath, echoed the sentiment. “We know what it feels like to be helpless in difficult times. That is why we have made this effort to ensure drivers and passengers don’t sleep hungry. People from all walks of life, Kashmiri Pandits as well as local Kashmiri Muslims, have extended support to this cause. It’s a reminder that compassion is still alive in Kashmir.”

Local residents point out that such gestures are not new in Kashmir. In times of natural calamities or prolonged road blockades, communities have traditionally extended help to each other. “When crisis strikes, Kashmiris forget all divides and stand together,” said one of the volunteers.