In occupied Kashmir, the latrines set up
by Indian army on the banks of the famous Arin Nallah in Bandipora
district for their own use has contaminated the stream’s water, which
is used by more than 10,000 people living in its catchment.

Due to the contamination of water, at
least forty cases of Hepatitis-E have been reported so far and
officials of the health department say that the disease may create
havoc in the villages of the Bandipora district if the latrines were
not dismantled. 

Locals hold Indian army responsible for the outbreak of Hepatitis-E in
the area. “We have no water supply scheme here and we use water from
Arin Nallah for drinking purpose. India army has set up latrines over
the banks of the nallah,” Abdul Rehman Khan of Chotti-Mohalla said.

He said that the people have been forced to drink contaminated water
and the puppet administration hasn’t done anything despite many appeals
were made. 

Located in the lap of mountains, these villages have no source of water
other than the Arin nallah. The huge presence of Indian troops in the
area, and their direct flushing of excreta into the only natural water
source, is a threat to the life and health of the people living there.