SRINAGAR: Amid shutdown in Kashmir, illegal construction is on rise in Srinagar, and the administration believes over 15% jump in construction due to the prevailing situation.
“Our squads are facing harassment, injuries, and abuse from the violators,” an official at SMC said.
“There is always a risk of losing a life. Over 40 squad members have been injured since last one year. Sometimes we skip demolition drives as we fear of getting attacked by violators,” said a group of squad members.
Chief enforcement officer of SMC, Ghulam Rasool Dar told Kashmir Reader that from the last two month, there is 15% increase in illegal construction.
“We carry demolition drive each day. But without police protection, our squad is facing problems. Till 2017, we were accompanied by CRPF, but authorities have withdrawn them due to which are facing threats,” he said.

NAZIMA SIDIQ