RK News Service
Srinagar, May 22: An anti-encroachment drive launched by the Forest Department in Kandi Khas on Friday triggered protests after MLA Langate rushed to the spot and resisted the demolition and eviction attempt, accusing authorities of targeting a particular community in the name of encroachment removal.
In a statement, the MLA said that the information regarding the drive immediately reached MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed, who despite condolence gatherings continuing at his residence following the recent demise of his father late Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, left his home and proceeded directly to Kandi Khas.
At the site, Sheikh Khursheed strongly opposed the demolition attempt and did not allow authorities to proceed further with the eviction drive. He said the so-called anti-encroachment campaign was being used to harass and displace poor and vulnerable families belonging to a particular community.
Sheikh Khursheed stated that the affected families were originally migrants from Kumkadi Lashdat who were displaced decades ago due to cross-border shelling. He said despite losing their homes and living under difficult circumstances for years, neither proper compensation nor adequate rehabilitation had been provided to them till date.
He further said these families have been residing in Kandi Khas for nearly four decades in extremely difficult conditions and yet repeated attempts are being made to uproot them once again. “After suffering displacement, poverty and neglect for decades, they are again being pushed towards homelessness,” he remarked.
Locals present at the site appreciated MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed’s intervention, particularly as he chose to leave condolence gatherings at his residence and personally reach the area to stand with the affected families during the eviction attempt.