An anti-encroachment drive by the Forest Department in Kandi Khas in Kupwara district on Friday sparked protests after MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad rushed to the site and opposed the demolition and eviction operation, alleging that a particular community was being selectively targeted in the name of removing encroachments.
According to a statement issued by the Awami Itehad Party, locals informed MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed about the anti-encroachment drive, following which he immediately left condolence gatherings at his residence — being held after the recent demise of his father, and rushed 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, the statement said.
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.
AIP said the locals present at the site appreciated MLA Langate’s intervention, particularly as he chose to leave a condolence gathering at his residence and personally reach the area to stand with the affected families during the eviction attempt.
