Budgam, Dec 15: Demolition of illegal brick kilns in Chadoora triggered a row on Monday, with National Conference (NC) workers staging a protest alleging misbehavior by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Chadoora with the area’s MLA during the drive.
The protest was held at the MLA Office Chadoora.
Protesters demanded action against the SDM, terming his conduct “arrogant” and “undemocratic”.
The protest followed a complaint lodged a day earlier by MLA Chadoora, Ali Mohammad Dar, at Police Station Chadoora, in which he alleged humiliation during the demolition drive.
Talking to reporters, Dar said the matter was serious and insisted that “no officer is above the law”. He also alleged that the demolition drive was selective.
As per the MLA, the dispute stemmed from a verbal exchange at the demolition site after he arrived to review the operation. He alleged that the SDM addressed him in an inappropriate manner, which he said amounted to public humiliation during an official drive.
However, after the demolition drive, the district administration Budgam on its social media platform facebook said that the drive was part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal brick kilns operating without mandatory registration and environmental clearances.
The three unauthorized brick kiln units were demolished in Behrampora and Kultreh villages of tehsil Chadoora under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat (IAS). The administration reiterated a policy of zero tolerance towards environmental violations.
Officials said similar action had earlier been taken in Beerwah and other parts of the district as part of the same enforcement campaign—(KNO)
