Shopian: Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of Jammu and Kashmir Bank installed at Zainapora in Shopian has been troubling people as locals allege that it remains non-functional on most of the days.
They locals said the due to defunct ATM, the people from Zainapora have to visit Bijbehara, Anantnag and other distant places for cash withdrawal.
Some locals blame bank officials for deliberately setting ATM machines out of work or setting transaction limits and pacifying them by saying that there is shortage of cash.
Alamgeer Hassan Business correspondent (BC) of Khidmat centre Zainapora village in Shopian said that his centre makes 4 to 5 lac of Rupees transaction to customers due to defunct ATM.
“People from different areas prefer to come to our Khidmat centre for money withdrawal as ATM of Zainapora J&K Bank branch remains closed all time. The problem is mostly in this area while as in other areas of the district ATM’s remain functional all the time,” he added.
“Khidmat centre provides cash of Rs. 5000 to customers and sometimes more as per need of customers, especially during bank holidays and strikes and do not let people to suffer”, said another BC of Khidmat centre Reban village, Mudasir Ahmad Naik.
Mohd Ramzaan branch head of J&K Bank Zainapora, when asked to comment, said, due to security reasons and sensitivity of the area cash movement is limited or restricted in this area due to which ATM remains closed or inactive for most of the time.
“Following the spate of bank robberies and attacks there is cash shortage in this area otherwise when cash is available we make it available to customers through ATM,” he added.
