Srinagar, Apr 1: Amid pro-freedom sloganeering on the banks of famed Dal, Peoples Conference, Chairman Sajad Lone on Sunday gave an ultimatum to the government to revoke Green Belt restriction for constructions by indigenous dwellers of the lake or face protests.
 Addressing a mega gathering of the lake dwellers at Makai Point, a favorite hangout with locals and tourists, Sajad said the present restrictions on construction in the Green Belt were violation of basic rights of the lake dwellers, who he said, cannot even repair windows of their houses under the prevalent norms.
 He accused the government of harassing the poor people in the garb of restrictions whereas influential people, particularly hoteliers, were enjoying a go ahead for constructions of their choice.
 “It is irony  that when a houseboat owners whose rooftops got damaged during recent windstorm , tried to repair them, LAWDA officials  didn’t allow it and harassed them in the name of Green Belt  restrictions. But I want to ask LAWDA people, where were they when construction of five- star hotels and palatial houses was going on in these areas and what action they have taken?” Sajad questioned.
 “I am not against tourists coming to this place and construction of infrastructure for them but what pinches me most is that when my poor brother is going to these officials seeking permission to repair his dilapidated house or houseboat, he is out rightly being denied the permission that his property comes under Green Belt area therefore he cannot undertake any sort of work,” he explained. 
 “The indigenous inhabitants of the Green Belt area have been deprived of their right to life of economic prosperity and dignity. The rich migrants, who include former and present bureaucrats, businessmen and politically influential individuals, are allowed to construct palatial houses in the same area. However when it comes to the generally poor, indigenous inhabitants who have been living in this land since generations, the Government through its various departments and arms leaves no stone unturned to harass, suffocate and persecute them,” he continued amid applauds.
 “The same law, which is, as if the word of God when it comes to the poor indigenous inhabitants becomes porous and flexible when it comes to the rich,” Sajad said amid sloganeering in his support from the gathering.
 “A huge amount of money has been extorted from the local inhabitants by various government departments at times even for minor repairs,” he alleged.
 Taking a dig at the twin mainstream parties, he said: “Successive governments of National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party have economically persecuted the indigenous inhabitants of the Green Belt under the fig-leaf of conservation whereas as this was never the case with the influential.”
 He assured the gathering:  “InshaAllah I won’t hesitate even from moving Supreme Court to challenge the dichotomist laws and regulations that have stunted the prosperity and dignified survival of these inhabitants.”
 While inhabitants of these Green belt areas, thronged the rally in large numbers, they also expressed their gratitude towards Sajad Lone for raising their issues.
 “No other politician has ever raised the issue of Dal dwellers and inhabitants of other Green Belt areas . I hope that Sajad Sahib will fulfill his promises and  help us in providing relief from day-to-day harassments which we are facing ,” Ghulam Rasool , a Dal Dweller said.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 1 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 1 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST