NC condemns ‘selective’ demolition drive in Pahalgam’s rural areas

Srinagar, 8 Aug: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference District President Anantnag and Former MLA Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Wani, has expressed grave concern over the  force used by the  Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) during a demolition drive in many rural areas.

Wani has urged the PDA “to refrain from showing favoritism towards the wealthy and unfairly punishing the poor.” In a  statement to the media, Wani accused the PDA of “overstepping its authority and legal jurisdiction”  in its selective demolition campaign in the rural areas of Pahalgam. He emphasized that the areas where demolition was carried out are not even part of the PDA’s jurisdiction.

Wani questioned the authority of the PDA to carry out such actions, especially in villages that are not under its jurisdiction. “PDA is entering rural areas and demolishing houses of the poor without following proper procedures.  Even if these areas were under the PDA’s purview, the rules clearly state that a notice must be sent followed by fines of varying amounts before any demolition can take place. The laws are explicit that only penalties should be imposed, not the destruction of homes.”

“It has sadly become a disturbing trend in the current administration to forcibly evict people from their homes without any regard for their well-being. Where are these poor individuals supposed to go after being uprooted from their communities? “This unilateralism is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. We stand united with our people and refuse to tolerate this injustice any longer. We call upon the LG administration to address this issue immediately and ensure that the rights of the poor are protected,” he said.