Waqar Manzoor
Budgam, Dec 15: National Conference (NC) workers on Monday held a peaceful protest in the Chadoora area of central Kashmir, raising serious concerns over what they termed as high-handedness by the Budgam district administration during a recent demolition drive.
The protesters alleged that Chadoora MLA Ali Muhammad Dar was mistreated during the official action and subsequently required medical attention. The incident, they said, has caused widespread resentment among party workers and local residents.
NC workers accused the administration of selectively targeting brick kiln owners, many of whom, they claimed, were earning their livelihood lawfully and had already shown willingness to comply with official directions. They questioned the use of heavy machinery despite assurances of cooperation.
The protesters further alleged that illegal mining activities continue unchecked in several areas of the district, including damage to the Shali Ganga stream, while enforcement agencies focus on small livelihood holders instead of addressing larger violations.
Terming the approach as discriminatory and unjust, the NC workers expressed full solidarity with the local MLA and warned of intensified agitation if the administration fails to address their grievances and halt what they described as harassment of locals.
The protest concluded peacefully at Mujahid Manzil, Chadoora, without any untoward incident.
