The inhabitants of Gondiboon Sonawari Monday staged a protest here against the alleged “deplorable” behavior of their MLA Muhammad Akbar Lone.

The protesters assembled at Srinagar’s press colony and raised slogans against the former education minister.
Accusing the senior National Conference leader, Lone, of beating and abusing them after complaining about the power curtailment. They sought action against him.
 The protesters while talking to KNS alleged that Akbar used ‘harsh words which even abusive dictionary sans’. “As our area is reeling u8nder darkness since last several weeks, we (a delegation comprising of locals went to the receiving station to come to know about the facts.

Meanwhile, MLA Sonawari visited the spot along with his supporters and guards beat us to pulp and abused, "locals alleged.
Manzoor Ahmad, a protester said that Lone’s workers, Irshad Ahmad, an employee in health department and Fayaz Ahmad beat them with sticks and abused them. “They threatened us of dire consequences in case we again visit the receiving station,” he told KNS.
Manzoor said that their village is without electricity since last couple of weeks. However, “instead redressing the grievance, Lone abused them,” he said.
“Lone has begged before us for votes but after assuming the charge of MLA, he doesn’t even bother to look into our sufferings. Our demands were genuine but instead of redressing it, Lone abused and thrashed us ruthlessly,” they said. The protesters later dispersed peacefully.
Despite repeated attempts, Akbar Lone could not be contacted for the comments as his phone remained switched off. (KNS)