Hill Kaka: A Forgotten Land of Sacrifice and Struggle

Nestled in the far-flung region of Tehsil Surankote, District Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, Hill Kaka remains an isolated yet historically significant village. Despite its immense contributions to the nation’s fight against militancy, the region continues to suffer from extreme neglect. During my firsthand visit, I interacted with local residents, observed real-life conditions and documented the ground reality with a heavy heart. This article unveils the struggles of the people of Hill Kaka and highlights the dire need for government intervention.

A Journey Through Hill Kaka: The Harsh Reality:
The journey to Hill Kaka itself speaks volumes about its remoteness and inaccessibility. From Kulali village, which is connected to Surankote town by road, one must undertake a grueling 15-kilometers trek through dense forests, steep hills and fresh mountain streams. The trek, though breathtakingly beautiful, is more suited for adventure travelers than for the local residents who are forced to navigate it for basic necessities like education, healthcare and official documentation.
Upon reaching Government Middle School Hill Kaka, I was met with a distressing sight. Despite being the only educational institution in the area, the school struggles with poor infrastructure, lack of basic amenities and an absence of modern technology.

The State of Education in Hill Kaka:
The Government Middle School Hill Kaka is a beacon of hope for the region’s children, yet it is severely under-equipped. Shabir Ahmad Khan, a dedicated teacher with multiple academic qualifications (Double Masters, B.Ed., M.Ed.), shared his personal struggles and the plight of the students:
There is no accommodation facility for the school teachers. After a 10-12 hour long trek, they couldn’t return to the main town to rent a room. Therefore, local residents accommodate the teachers in their residences located near the school.
The school has fewer than 100 registered students, but only 26 have Aadhaar Cards due to the lack of road connectivity. Parents find it impossible to take their children to the Tehsil office to get their documents.
There is no electricity, which means no digital learning, no computers and no internet connectivity. The teachers are unable to register students on the UIDAI system for Aadhaar due to this issue.
The school has a toilet facility, but no water supply, making it unhygienic and difficult to use. The building is in a dilapidated condition, posing a serious risk to students and staff.
Despite these hardships, the students of Hill Kaka are exceptionally bright, talented and eager to learn. The dedication of teachers like Shabir Ahmad Khan keeps the education system alive, but the lack of government support threatens their future.

Healthcare Crisis: A Matter of Life and Death:
One of the most shocking realities of Hill Kaka is the complete absence of healthcare facilities. The village does not have a hospital, clinic, except a primary health center.
In case of a medical emergency: Villagers must carry sick patients on their shoulders for 10-12 hours to reach the nearest location where transportation is available. Pregnant women, elderly patients and accident victims face life-threatening situations due to the lack of timely medical assistance. There is no ambulance service and the first aid available in the area is barely enough to treat minor injuries.
Given their patriotic history and sacrifices, the people of Hill Kaka deserve basic medical facilities especially for Pregnant women and elderly patients. The government’s failure to establish a modern healthcare center in this region is nothing short of criminal negligence.

Electricity is a fundamental necessity, yet Hill Kaka remains in darkness: There is no electricity connection in the village, making life extremely difficult, especially in harsh winter conditions. The absence of electricity hinders education, economic opportunities and daily life. No access to digital resources, mobile connectivity or television isolates the people from the rest of the world. A simple solar power initiative or micro-hydro project could significantly improve the lives of the residents, yet no efforts have been made in this direction.

A Lost Opportunity for Tourism and Economic Growth:
Hill Kaka is a region rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, yet it remains untouched by tourism development. If properly promoted, it could become a major tourist destination, boosting the local economy. The village offers stunning trekking routes, lush green meadows and pristine natural landscapes. The Gujjar community in the region has a unique culture and warm hospitality, making it an ideal location for cultural tourism. Locals are willing to accommodate tourists in their homes, which could generate income for the community.
The government promised a road connection to Hill Kaka from Marrah village, but this promise remains unfulfilled. By developing tourism infrastructure, the government could create employment opportunities and uplift the region economically. However, political negligence has left this potential untapped.

Political Apathy:
The people of Hill Kaka are true patriots who played a vital role in eliminating militancy from the region. However, the government and politicians have failed to acknowledge their sacrifices with real action. Politicians visit only during elections, making false promises about development. The local MLA of Surankote and government officials have turned a blind eye to the region’s needs. The Indian government had promised a road connection from Marrah village, yet this promise remains a mere statement.
It is time for the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and the Central Government of India to recognize the struggles of Hill Kaka’s people and fulfill their long-standing demands.

The Way Forward: What Needs to Be Done?
The government must take immediate action to address the issues faced by Hill Kaka. Here are some crucial steps:

1. Build Road Connectivity: Complete the road from Marrah village to ensure better access.
2. Provide Electricity: Install solar power grids or connect the village to the nearest power grid.
3. Establish a modern healthcare center, especially for pregnant women and elderly patients, with emergency medical services, is urgently needed.
4. Improve Education Facilities: Upgrade the middle school to a higher secondary school. Provide digital resources like computers and internet access. Arrange special Aadhaar enrollment camps for students.
5. Promote Tourism: Develop eco-tourism and cultural tourism projects. Provide financial assistance to locals for home stays and tourist services.
6. Ensure Political Accountability: The local MLA and government officials must visit the village regularly. Implementation of developmental projects must be monitored.
7. 
   Lastly one line would summarize it all, Hill Kaka is not just a remote village it is a land of sacrifice, resilience and untapped potential. The people of this region have contributed to national security, yet they remain forgotten by the government. The lack of roads, electricity, healthcare and educational facilities has left them struggling for survival. It is time for authorities to honor their sacrifices with meaningful action, not just empty words.
   Hill Kaka’s story is a wakeup call for the government, politicians and responsible authorities development must reach even the farthest corners of our country.
   Will the government finally act? Or will the people of Hill Kaka remain abandoned in their struggle? Only time will tell.

The author, Dr. Shah Nawaz has PhD in Tourism and Travel Management. He can be mailed at: nawazshah1990@gmail.com