pdp-accuses-nc-of-targeted-demolition-in-sonamarg

PDP leaders have accused the Omar Abdullah-led NC government of carrying out a targeted demolition drive in the popular tourist destination of Sonamarg, particularly targeting the property of PDP leader Bashir Mir.

 

Following the demolition drive, PDP youth leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed Parra, along with several others, visited the site and strongly condemned the authorities for what they deemed a 'politically motivated demolition'.

 

A video of the demolition drive has surfaced on social media.

PDP leader Bashir Mir once again selectively targeted as his properties in Sonamarg are demolished today. This blatant misuse of power raises a crucial question : On whose behest are these activities being carried out? Is this the price of political dissent? @MehboobaMufti @jkpdp pic.twitter.com/9e185BAMNW

— THE JKPDP (@1JKPDP) January 27, 2025

 

PDP further accused Omar Abdullah of settling political rivalries through covert actions. Mir had contested against Abdullah in the 2024 Assembly elections.

 

Speaking to mediapersons, Bashir Mir alleged that the NC was attempting to undermine his political career.

 

"The Kangan seat is reserved for Scheduled Tribes, and NC assumed no one from PDP would contest. However, during the Assembly elections, Jamaat Ali Shaheen ran and gave NC stiff competition. They thought my political career was over," Mir said.

 

“I contested against Omar Abdullah in Ganderbal. Now that PDP has gained strength here under my leadership, they want to destroy me financially and politically,” he added.

 

Mir also pointed out that numerous constructions on state and forest land exist in Sonamarg, yet only his property had been targeted.

 

“I am not against anyone personally, but the law should be applied equally. Targeting me based on personal interests will not make me surrender,” he added.

 

Waheed Parra echoed similar sentiments, accusing the NC government of normalising the August 5, 2019, decision that revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

"The people gave Omar Abdullah a mandate with 50 MLAs. At that time, people were unhappy, and we opposed demolitions by the BJP government. But now, NC is selectively targeting common residents in Sonamarg,” Para stated.

 

Para urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the Anti-Corruption Bureau to investigate the matter and take action against corrupt officials and NC leadership.

 

Meanwhile, in 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court imposed a fresh blanket ban on construction activities within the peripheries of the famous tourist destination Sonamarg.