Demolition drive of SMC turns into battle ground in Srinagar

SRINAGAR — A demolition drive of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) turned into a battle ground at Maloora area of Kashmir capital Srinagar on Saturday when locals of the area pelted stones on the corporation’s demolition team.

Reports reaching here said that a demolition drive led by deputy Mayor of SMC, Parvaiz Qadri, Chief Enforcement Officer Mudasir Banday and other officials turned into a battle ground after locals at Maloora area in outskirts of Srinagar district attacked the demolition team with stones. However, the squad continued dismantling many structures in the area that were constructed without any permission from the authority.

Reports said some vehicles of SMC and other private vehicles were damaged in this incident.

Locals of the area, while talking to media persons, said, “We have paid a huge amount to the concerned Ward officer and concerned Councillor of ward 32 namely Shahzad Ahmad, besides other officials of the corporation.”

“Firstly, they (SMC) allow raising such structures and when they get completed, they demolish it. Why do they allow construction work in the first place?” asked the locals of the area.

Locals said why the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is watching as mute spectators, allowing corruption into the roots of our society.

Meanwhile, Commissioner SMC Athar Amir said that they have received the reports of illegal construction and accordingly, a team led by deputy Mayor demolished the illegal construction and corporation will take strict action against the violators, adding that those involved will be dealt with as per law, if found guilty.