KL Desk
Srinagar
Scores of people from various localities held a peaceful protest demonstration on Tuesday near the the Dastgeer Sahib (RA) shrine against alleged delay in payment of compensation in lieu of land acquired for widening of road.
Protesters allege that they have not been provided property and land compensation which were attained by the authorities during road widening of Syed Mirak Shah road.
Agitated protestors told KNS that the authorities had acquired land under their shops and houses for road widening but had not paid the compensatory money so far.
“We’ve had been promised alternative land and those who opted for cash instead of land were promised to be compensated with 10 lakh rupees each”, said Riyaz Ahmad of Khanyar who was part of protest. “Eighty eight families are still waiting for compensation while 34 families have not been paid even a penny as compensation”, he added.
Protesters alleged that they had contacted divisional authorities several times to apprise them about their issues but no satisfactory response was received which compelled them to protest on streets. “We also approached higher authorities in civil secretariat and a cabinet order for compensation was issued. A meeting was held under local MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar and we were assured that compensation will be released on priority basis but not a penny has been paid so far”, they added.
Protesters threatened of violent protests if authorities failed to pay compensation. “We’re today protesting peacefully but if the authorities fail to release compensation we’ll turn to violent protests and its responsibility will lie on the authorities”, said protesters.
When contacted Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Samoon said that Deputy Commissioner Srinagar has already been informed about the matter and he is him self looking into the matter.
