Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 28: Scores of raw material extractors today blocked the Ashajipor – Mirbazar link road to protest against the Government ban to extraction of raw material (gravel and boulders) from the various streams in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
The protesters were led by president Crusher Owners Union Muhammad Iqbal and they sought an immediate revocation on the ban. “From 1980, we are extracting the raw material from the spots which were authorised by Geology and Mining Department,” said Iqbal.
“But from past three months the officials are not allowing us to extract raw material owing to some High Court order,” he said, adding: “nearly 30, 000 people are getting directly or indirectly affected by this ban.”
Iqbal said everyday almost hundreds of tippers carry boulders from these streams for the construction of alternate National Highway “but no one is stopping them”.
Deputy Commissioner Kul-gam admitted that the ban is affecting livelidhood of these people but said there is a clear High Court order prohibiting extraction.
He said: “I too understand that it’s a matter of their livelihood and have discussed the issue with the Chief Engineer Flood Control. We are devising a strategy to deal with this.”
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