Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Oct 28 (KNS): As part of the rejuvenation and restoration of Hygam Wetland administration conducted a massive anti-encroachment drive at Haritar village of Sopore in North Kashmir's Baramulla district.

The anti-encroachment drive was launched on the directions of Divisional Commissioner during which illegal encroachment were demolished to retrieve state land.

Scores of structures had come up on the wetland over the past several years while hundreds of kanals of land were being used by encroachers illegally for cultivating paddy.

“We are not against development or progress. But we demand that administration should clear out what is to become of us or where we are to go," Bashir Ahmed, a local resident told Kashmir News Service (KNS).

“When we come out to protest, they register FIRs against us,” Bashir added.

Instead of providing poor people with housing, this government is snatching the roofs over their heads. “The living conditions of the people aren't good anyway and now they are to deteriorate further,” said another local, who wished not to be named.

Pertinent to mention here that, the Hygam wetland has been encroached at many places which include Haritar, Hygam, Lolipora, Gohul, Tengpora and Goshbug.

Meanwhile locals demand immediate intervention of higher authorities into this matter. (KNS)