By Majid Nabi
Srinagar- Authorities in Kashmir on Wednesday demolished an outer wall of the residence of National Conference general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar near the airport here, claiming it was built on state land.
Officials said the outer wall and the main gate as well as the entry of the guard room of Sagar’s residence in the Humhama area on the outskirts of the city were demolished as part of the administration’s action against the encroachment on state land.
Sagar, a former minister, or his family were not present in the house at the time of the demolition, the officials said.
The National Conference condemned the action, saying it smacks of political vendetta.
“JKNC condemns the dismantling of the outer wall at Party General Secretary @AliMSagar_’s house at Humhama. Such actions of the government clearly smack of political vendetta, and the misuse of government machinery for the same,” the party said in a tweet.
JKNC condemns the dismantling of the outer wall at Party General Secretary @AliMSagar_’s house at Humhama. Such actions of the govt. clearly smack of political vendetta, and the misuse of govt. machinery for the same.
— JKNC (@JKNC_) January 25, 2023
Meanwhile, Sagar termed the demolition drive as ‘unjustified’ and warned to take the matter to the court.
The former minister alleged that the administration did not serve any notice to him before demolishing his Humhama residence.
He said the structure, which was demolished, was constructed after proper permission from the concerned departments and that the land was his personal property and not the ‘state owned’ as was alleged.
“I have been left with no option but to approach the court of law; they demolished my residence without serving any notice or seeking explanation from me in this regard. This is sheer hooliganism on the part of the administration,” Sagar told Kashmir Observer.
He alleged that a posse of police and paramilitary troopers was deployed around his residence before carrying out demolition. Sagar said such pressure tactics will not muzzle the opposition and that the government will be held answerable before the court of law.
“Structure, which was demolished, was not constructed on state land as the whole property belongs to my wife and we have purchased the land after paying proper stamp duty. Let the government come up with proof that the land was illegally occupied,” he added. (With PTI inputs)
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