Bandipora, August 28(KNS): The contractors’ fraternity of Bandipora has strongly condemned remarks allegedly made by MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat against the contracting community, terming them “derogatory, irresponsible and unacceptable.”
The contractors held a press conference in Bandipora on Friday in response to a viral video circulated on social media, in which, according to the fraternity, the MLA allegedly referred to contractors as “thieves” and remarked that if the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) were to monitor them, they would end up in jail.
The contractors said such sweeping remarks were deeply hurtful and amounted to tarnishing the reputation of an entire professional community.
“We strongly condemn such remarks. If there is any allegation of corruption or wrongdoing, action should be taken against the individual concerned in accordance with law. The entire contractors’ fraternity cannot be branded as thieves because of allegations against some individuals,” the representatives said.
The press conference was attended by prominent contractors, including Naseer Mir, Er. Naseer Rahi, Abdul Rashid Mir, Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, Abdul Rashid Ahanger, Farooq Ahmad Dar, Javeed Ahmad Bhat and Ghulam Mohammad Wani, among others.
The contractors emphasised that the contracting community has been playing a significant role in Jammu and Kashmir’s development by executing major government projects, including roads, bridges, water-supply schemes, hospitals, schools, power projects, irrigation works and flood-control infrastructure.
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“Contractors invest their own capital, machinery, manpower and resources and undertake considerable financial risks while executing development works. Calling the entire fraternity thieves is highly objectionable and unacceptable,” they said.
The contractors also questioned allegations regarding backdoor appointments and favouritism, saying that if such issues exist, they too should be investigated through a fair, transparent and accountable process, particularly when the future of educated and meritorious youth is concerned.
They demanded that the MLA clarify his remarks and issue an apology to the contracting community.
The fraternity further warned that if the remarks are not withdrawn and an appropriate clarification is not issued, contractors may launch democratic protests at the district level and explore appropriate legal remedies.
“The contractors’ community is united. We respect the law and democratic institutions, but we will not remain silent when the dignity and reputation of an entire fraternity is publicly questioned,” the representatives said.
The contractors also appealed to the concerned authorities to ensure that allegations of corruption, if any, are dealt with through due process and that no entire professional community is subjected to blanket allegations.(KNS).