Press Release
PDP Calls it “Broad Daylight Loot”: Rafique Rather
Baramulla, August 28:
PDP Baramulla has demanded an immediate probe into the alleged night-time sale of stones, boulders and filling material excavated during the ongoing Baramulla–Uri road widening project, questioning the glaring double standards in the implementation of mining restrictions in the district.
PDP District President for Baramulla Rafique Rather has said that while mining restrictions have severely hit local contractors, builders and common people, bringing several construction and developmental activities to a halt, an outside company executing the road project is allegedly extracting material from mountain slopes and selling it in the local market during night hours at exorbitant rates.
“Is there one law for the people of Baramulla and another for an outside company? If local people cannot extract or purchase construction material because of a government ban, under whose permission is the material excavated from the Baramulla–Uri project allegedly being sold commercially?” Rafique Rather questioned.
He urged the Deputy Commissioner, SSP and District Mining Officer Baramulla to immediately investigate the entire chain of extraction, transportation and alleged sale of the material.
“This is nothing short of broad daylight loot being carried out under the cover of darkness. Authorities must not stop at those allegedly selling the material. They must identify the big fishes and establish whether any officials are facilitating or turning a blind eye to this racket,” he said.
Rather also questioned the silence of the local NC MLA, saying that protecting Baramulla’s environment and preventing the alleged exploitation of its natural resources is the responsibility of every elected representative.
“Baramulla cannot be treated as a place where restrictions are imposed on ordinary people while influential interests are allegedly given a free run. The law must apply equally to everyone, local or outsider,” he said.
He demanded a time-bound and impartial inquiry, including verification of all permissions, excavation records, transportation details and disposal or sale of the material.
“People have a right to know who is extracting this material, who is transporting it, who is selling it and, most importantly, under whose protection it is allegedly happening,” Rather said.
