Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 26: National Conference (NC) legislator from the Lal Chowk Assembly segment, Ahsan Pardesi, climbed onto a JCB machine today to protest a demolition drive initiated by the Badami Bagh Cantonment Board in the Zabarwan Colony of Sonawar area in Srinagar.
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The protest erupted when a demolition team arrived to raze a house, they alleged was illegally constructed. Pardesi joined locals in resisting the operation, temporarily halting the process by perching on the machine. The affected family claims they have resided in the area for over eight decades.
Speaking to reporters, Pardesi expressed frustration over the Cantonment Board’s actions, saying that they proceeded with the demolition despite prior intervention. “I had already informed the district administration about this situation when I learned about the proposed demolition drive. It is unfortunate that the Cantonment Board still carried on with the operation,” he said.
Pardesi emphasized that the matter is sub judice and called for adherence to the court’s directive to maintain the status quo. “The authorities must respect the legal process. Demolishing this house would be unjust and a violation of ongoing judicial proceedings,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the Cantonment Board team, equipped with machinery, attempted to demolish the structure, leading to resistance from locals. Farooq Ahmad, a resident, criticized the drive, saying, “We have faced this issue for over a decade. This is our land, yet we are not allowed to build houses. They claim we cannot construct within 500 meters of the area, but the Defence Minister’s letter permits single-story houses within 50 meters. Why are we being harassed?”
Ahmad added that the community had approached the court, but harassment persists. “This does not happen in other cantonment areas. We are fed up and demand the government shift us to the municipal committee.”
The locals also appealed to the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, to intervene in the matter and ensure fair treatment.
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