Bandipora, July 30: Hundreds of villagers accompanied by Sarpanchs and Panchs staged protest against the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) here in North Kashmir’s Bandipora District on Saturday.
 Congress leader and Ex-MLA Bandipora, Usman Majeed led the protesters blocking the main Chowk Bandipora for nearly two-and-half hours. The protestors were demanding an immediate halt to the construction of Kishen Ganga Hydroelectric Power House in Bandipora. “Stop the construction or address redress grievances of the people,” the protestors said.
 The protestors were demanding employment for locals in the HCC besides protecting the biodiversity and dense forest allegedly affected by the tunnel and power house construction.
 Earlier, addressing the protesters, Usman Majeed warned HCC management and State Government of a mass uprising if HCC failed to redress the public grievances like employment to locals, safeguard of environment, utilizing transportation and community development.
 Calling for united action to save the forests, rivers, streams and roads in the district, Usman said the power house construction should either be stopped or the company should assure the community of protecting the environs.
 "We have decided to hold a massive rally after three days for stopping the ongoing construction of the project. Moreover, the rally will also press for immediate appointment of local youth in HCC. We will also seek solution for the problem of pollution and disturbance of biodiversity by the heavy machinery and erosion problem," said Usman Majeed.

HCC SAYS
 An official in HCC told Greater Kashmir that among the 1300 appointed employees’ 625 had been appointed from Bandipora and Gurez and rest of the 495 had been appointed from rest of the Jammu and Kashmir.
 He said the most of the skilled and unskilled workers were from Bandipora and rest of the valley. However, he said the skilled technician’s and engineers who were not available at the local place had been appointed by the HCC head office.
 He said the community development was the first and foremost duty of the company, which was being done wherever required.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 30 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 30 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST