Srinagar, Aug 20(KNS): Jammu and Kashmir MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi on Thursday raised concerns over the ongoing demarcation exercise at Hokarsar, saying the legitimate rights and interests of local villagers must not be compromised in the name of conservation.
Mehdi met Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anchul Garg and raised the issue concerning residents of Dharmuna, Soibug, Goripora, Gotpora, Choorpora, Sozeith, Hajibagh and other adjoining villages, according to a statement issued by the legislator.
The MLA said any infringement of the legitimate rights and interests of the affected villagers in the name of demarcation or conservation was "totally unacceptable".
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He stressed that the priority rights of the affected communities must be protected and their genuine concerns addressed with sensitivity and fairness, the statement said.
The Divisional Commissioner assured Mehdi that the demarcation process would be carried out in a transparent manner and the legitimate interests and priority rights of the villagers would not be compromised, it said.
Hokarsar is an important wetland in the Kashmir Valley and is known for hosting migratory birds during the winter months.(KNS).