Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 9: National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar on Friday held the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) of causing the death of a young man through harassment and of engaging in corruption and selective action under the pretext of conservation.
Speaking to reporters here, Sagar, alleged that Shakeel Ahmad Dar, a 35-year-old resident of Shanpora Habak, died of a heart attack following humiliation and repeated harassment by LCMA employees.
“This is nothing short of causing his death. He was forced to visit departments repeatedly over a fake complaint and ultimately lost his life due to mental torture,” the NC leader said. He demanded compensation for the bereaved family and the direct intervention of the Chief Minister.
The MLA further alleged that LCMA had become “an institution of hooliganism and blackmail”, targeting ordinary residents of Hazratbal and Khanyar while sparing the influential.
“Poor families face demolition drives and intimidation, but influential and business families are being facilitated,” he said, citing a case on Boulevard Road, where a construction permit on 2,200 sq ft has allegedly expanded to over 65,000 sq ft unchecked.
Sagar claimed that illegal lake filling is taking place in Nigeen and Saida Kadal, with soil being transported openly in autos and tin sheds mushrooming on reclaimed land.
“If LCMA claims to be serious about conservation, how are such activities continuing?” he questioned.
Criticising the authority’s functioning, the MLA said that despite machinery worth crores being procured, the condition of Dal Lake remains alarming. He urged LCMA to focus on treatment plants, waste management and genuine conservation instead of targeting poor residents in peripheral areas like Harwan, Theed and Khimber.
“Big hotels are coming up while the poor are being crushed. This double standard must end. The LCMA must clearly define its jurisdiction and stop intimidating locals,” the NC leader said, warning that he would be “forced to stand with his people” if harassment continued.
Sagar also alleged that the ongoing drives appeared politically motivated, aimed at weakening his constituency and creating public resentment. “I will take this issue up with the Chief Minister, who I believe will not allow such injustice,” he added.
