Bandipora, July 28(KNS): Residents of Quil, Malangam, Muqam and Mangnipora areas of north Kashmir's Bandipora district have urged the concerned authorities and banking institutions to establish an ATM facility in the area, saying the absence of the service is causing immense inconvenience to thousands of people.

 

Locals told this correspondent that despite having a sizeable population and increasing banking transactions, the entire belt continues to remain without an ATM, forcing residents to travel several kilometres to Bandipora town or other nearby locations to withdraw cash. Public sources also indicate that Quil village itself does not currently have an ATM facility.

 

They said the problem becomes more severe during emergencies, festivals, pension disbursements and government benefit payments, when people, particularly senior citizens, women and daily wage earners, have to spend both time and money merely to access cash.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

"We have repeatedly raised this issue, but no concrete steps have been taken so far. An ATM in the area would benefit thousands of residents from Quil, Malangam, Muqam and Mangnipora," the locals said.

 

The residents appealed to the District Administration, J&K Bank and other banking institutions to take immediate steps for installing an ATM in the area, stating that access to basic banking services is an essential public necessity and should not be ignored. (KNS)