Demolitions reflect ‘antiquated mindset’, says PC Chairperson Sajad Lone, urges Govt to ‘stop criminalising’ private infrastructure
KINS Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 26 (KINS): People’s Conference (PC) chairperson Sajad Gani Lone on Wednesday voiced strong resentment over recent demolition drives in parts of Kashmir, saying the administration was “criminalising infrastructure development” and operating with an “antiquated, over-regulated mindset” that is pushing people towards deeper unemployment.
Reacting to visuals of a demolition in Kangan, Lone said he was disturbed by the sight of a “seemingly beautiful house” being razed with furniture, curtains and other belongings still inside.
“I have absolutely no idea why they were demolishing a seemingly beautiful house. The visuals were very disturbing. The furniture is inside. The curtains are there. I can bet there is something sinister. Normally the furniture etc would be removed,” Lone said according to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), adding that on social media a distraught person was seen clarifying it was his residential house.
Referring to claims that such structures are illegal hotels or commercial establishments, Lone questioned the basis and consistency of the official approach. “Assume it was a hotel. How big a crime is it to make a hotel without permission? Are all hotels in Kashmir legal? Was this the last illegal hotel?” he asked.
The PC chairperson said he had “pent up feelings” about the way laws are being implemented on the ground, raising a series of pointed questions.
“First – if a majority of people are breaking the law, is there something wrong with the people or is there something wrong with the law?” Lone asked, arguing that frequent violations were also an indictment of outdated regulations and opaque systems rather than only of citizens.
“Second – why is every person in Kashmir a climate activist or a sustainability expert, especially when it pertains to other people’s properties?” he said, alleging that environmental and sustainability concerns are selectively invoked against private constructions.
Lone stressed that as an aspiring global tourist destination, Jammu and Kashmir needs modern infrastructure and adequate hotel capacity. “Kashmir is a beautiful place. But there are so many beautiful places in the world. Please go out there and check the massive aesthetically built infrastructure in other places,” he said.
“Fourth – isn’t it time that we sync our laws with the present times rather than be stuck in the era of the past?” Lone added, calling for a comprehensive overhaul of building and tourism-related regulations.
He also questioned the role of officials who have allowed such constructions to come up over the years. “Who facilitated these constructions? Has even one person been booked? The answer is no. If you work in government, you operate with impunity,” he alleged.
Making what he termed a “humble request” to the government, Lone urged the administration to frame new laws that encourage private investment in infrastructure instead of treating investors as offenders.
“There are no government jobs on offer. With technology, government jobs in numbers and in percentage terms will decrease contrary to the government’s manifesto pledge of increasing jobs,” he said. “If there are no government jobs and government will not allow to build, will not innovate — what will people do? How will they earn a living?”
Lone warned that unemployment could rise to “record levels in the next five years” unless tourism and allied sectors are enabled to grow. “The old style of tourism of making huts will not work. Please create an enabling environment. Let the Babus make way for tourism consultants. Let the government stop making infrastructure. Let the private sector come in,” he said.
Appealing to the Chief Minister, Lone added: “It is an appeal to CM sahib. No point scoring. Please take a personal interest in revamping a mindset – a mindset which is a fossil dating back to decades. We operate in an antiquated world, which is over-regulated. Please deregulate governance. And stand up against demolitions.”
He further asked why demolitions seem to predominantly affect vulnerable sections. “Why is it that only poor homes or hotels get demolished? What about the elite? Are they all within the permissible limits?” Lone said, calling for equity, transparency and compassion in enforcement drives. (KINS)
