PNB opens branch in Kupwara, once hub of militants in J

Srinagar, Feb 14 (UNI) Punjab National Bank (PNB) has finally decided to expand its activities in border areas in north Kashmir after providing services to the people of some select and protected places for about 17 year.

The PNB opened its new branch at Kupwara, once a hub of militants, taking its strength to 25 branches in the valley.

Majority financial institutions and banks closed their maximum offices in the valley following the outbreak of militancy in 1989.

Some of the banks were shifted to protected areas.

However, with an improvement in the situation, the financial institutions and banks are back with added attraction for customers.

An official of the bank said the new branch would be fully computerised and customers would be provided all facilities under various schemes launched by it.

He said unemployed youth would be given loans to help them to set their own employment generating units in north Kashmir.

He said people of Kupwara will be provided ATM service and two new branches would be opened in border areas of Karnah and Tangdhar.

UNI