Handwara
Template:Short description Template:Use Indian English Template:Use dmy dates Script error: No such module "Settlement short description".Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".Expression error: Unexpected < operator. Handwara (Script error: No such module "IPA". ; Script error: No such module "IPA".) is a town in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located on Baramulla-Handwara National Highway NH-701 and is governed by a municipal committee. Handwara is known for its high-quality walnuts, which are a major agricultural product of the region. The area's climate and soil are ideal for walnut cultivation. Handwara is also famous for its apple orchards alongside walnut production.
History
Sikh rule
During Sikh rule, Raja Zabardast Khan, chieftain of the Bomba tribe, led guerrilla warfare against the forces of the Sikh Empire, targeting their garrisons and posts in Handwara.[2][3]
Geography
Handwara is located at Script error: No such module "Coordinates". at an average elevation of 1,582 metres (5,190 feet) above sea level. The region boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with the Pohru River—a tributary of the Jhelum—flowing through the town.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Indian census, Handwara has a population of 13,600.[4] Males constitute 54.26% of the population and females 45.74%.[4] Handwara has an average literacy rate of 64.39%.[5] The dominant religion in the town is Islam.
| <templatestyles src="Module:Historical populations/styles.css"/>Script error: No such module "Historical populations". |
Literacy
The Census of 2011 showed the literacy rate of Handwara at 64.39%, lower than the national average of 67.16%.[5] There is a gender difference in literacy, with a male literacy rate of 75.62% and a much lower female literacy rate of 51.88%.
Educational Institutions
- Government Medical College, Handwara
- Government Degree College, Handwara
- Shaheen Public Secondary School, Handwara
- New Millennium Public School
- AIIMS School of Learning
- Monarch Secondary School of Education
- Sunrise Public School
- Hill Grange Public School
- GD Goenka Public School
- Government Higher Secondary School Boys
- Government Higher Secondary School Girls
- Industrial Training Institute
- Sheikh-ul-Alam Public School, Handwara
- Webcom Industrial Training Institute, Handwara
Politics
Handwara is a region of considerable strategic significance, primarily due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC). This geographical positioning renders it a critical and sensitive zone in military and security discussions. Handwara was the home constituency of the late separatist leader Abdul Ghani Lone. The current MLA of Handwara is Sajjad Gani Lone of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference, who defeated Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzaan of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference by over 600 votes in the 2024 assembly elections.[6]
Municipal Committee Handwara is an Urban Local Body with 13 elected members, which administers the town.[7]
| # | Name | Municipal Ward | Reservation Status | Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iram Amin Banday | Banday Mohalla | Women Open | Independent |
| 2 | Farooq Ahmad Bhat | Herpora | Open | Independent |
| 3 | Masroor Ah. Banday | Jamia Jadeed | Open | Independent |
| 4 | Dilshada Jan | Jamia Qadeem | Women Open | Independent |
| 5 | Gh. Mohd. Ganie | Khunabal Maqboolabad | Open | Independent |
| 6 | Bashir Ah. Khan | Khunabal Umerabad | Open | Independent |
| 7 | Zoona Behum | Durishpora | Women Open | Independent |
| 8 | Mumtaza Begum | Baghatpora | Open | Independent |
| 9 | Ateeqa Begum | Kachiwari | Open | Independent |
| 10 | Zamrooda Begum | Chotipora | Women Open | Independent |
| 11 | Mushtaq Ahmad Hanji | Tootigund | Open | Independent |
| 12 | Nazir Ahmed Bhat | Zalipora | Open | Independent |
| 13 | Ab. Majid Pandith | Wani Mohalla | Open | Independent |
Transportation
Air
The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar located 78.8 kilometres from Handwara. There are plans to construct an airport in Panzgam near Kupwara.[8]
Rail
Handwara is not yet connected to railways. The nearest railway station is Baramulla railway station located 30 kilometres from Handwara.
Road
Handwara is well-connected with roads and highways. The NH 701 passes through Handwara alongside other intra-town roads.
Tourist Spots
- Bungus Valley[9]
- Reshwari
- Nagarwari
- Chornaar
Notable People
- Ali Mohammad Shahbaz (Poet)
- Abdul Gani Lone (Politician)
- Sajad Lone (Politician)
- Engineer Rashid (Politician)
- Noor Mohammad (Singer)
References
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
- ↑ a b Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ http://ceojammukashmir.nic.in/pdf/municipal%20Election/Result_Notifi_Corp.pdf Template:Bare URL PDF
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
External links
- Script error: No such module "Official website".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Template:Jammu and Kashmir topics Template:Kupwara district Template:Kashmir Valley