Says the allottee contractors exploit natural resources, labourers

Srinagar July 28 (KNS): Former cabinet minister and Apni Party’s senior Vice President Ghulam Hassam Mir has said the Mineral Policy has turned to be a disaster in Jammu and Kashmir. Lashing out at the concerned authorities, Mir has said that the allottee contractors are exploiting the natural resources beyond limits and they also are exploiting the labourers who are working with these contractors.

In a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Ghulam Hassan Mir has expressed his concern over the non-implementation of rules and regulations in the mining process. He said, “First of all, the mining contracts to the outsiders are a clear injustice to the locals. Secondly, the contract allottees are using heavy machinery during the process of mining, which eventually is ruining the irrigation facilities and the system. And, thirdly, the contractors do not pay the laborers as per the rules, nor are they being provided with the required facilities.”

He added, “There are set rules and regulations which are guiding principles for the mining process everywhere in the country and beyond. Thus, we must follow these guidelines.”

 Apni Party leader has also expressed his concerns over the skyrocketing prices of the building material. He said, “The wrong policies have resulted in the high market prices of the building materials. People are suffering due to the high prices of the building material. 

He added, “The overall situation about the mining sector suggests that the Mineral Policy of Jammu Kashmir is a disaster.”

 Mir urged the LG Administration to look into the matter to stop the exploitations and wrongdoings in the mining sector.(KNS)