We are waiting, we will wait

We, the people of Jammu have the patience of a rock. We are the pain stone for all those who come into our city with their own sad story and unload their pain upon us. We, in turn, give them a place to call home, a neighborhood they can feel safe in, a market they can work at. We, in turn, ask our administrators to understand our needs, our day-to-day requirements and do work for our benefit.
We wait for our cultural and historical heritage Mubarak Mandi to be restored and renovated. We ask when the work to make Raghunath Bazar a heritage bazar will start. We demand to know till when the Artificial Lake Project and Tawi Beautification project will be completed.
We want Metro in Jammu. We want Ring Road to be completed. We want to see Jambu Zoo beyond the existing structure. We need an answer and we need it soon.
We are told all projects will be completed. We agree.
We are told the internet will be restored. We wait.
We are told Jammu will have to sacrifice for Kashmir. We have been doing it.
We are not asked about our wishes when decisions of our future are taken.
We are not told what the future of our youngsters will hold.
We are on the streets, not demanding our rights, but demanding our wages.
We are in the media, for terror encounters, Migrant Camps and big Accidents.
We don't fight. We wait.
For our political empowerment, for grass-root level development, for employment, for internet, for tourism, for an economic boost, for cleanliness, for 24x7 electricity, for better connectivity, for smoother roads, for others to stop speaking on our behalf, for our voices to be finally heard.
We are waiting, we will wait.