‘Mineral extraction rights need to be fully reinstated across J&K’
Srinagar : Apni Party State Secretary and former VC Muntazir Mohi-ud-din on Saturday welcomed the much anticipated government decision which stated that 58 mining blocks in Jhelum will now be allotted to locals as the companies from outside J&K have failed to get necessary Environment Clearance in a stipulated time frame.
Expressing contentment over the decision, Muntazir as per a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that for months Apni Party had launched a comprehensive campaign demanding that the mineral extraction rights be reinstated in favor of the locals whose families have been involved with this occupation since ages.
“I am very thankful to the Lt. Governor led administration which has eventually reciprocated with the long pending demand of the people of J&K. As natives, the first preference and rights over the mineral extraction belongs to the local populace. I on behalf of Apni Party congratulate the people, especially those families who have suffered immensely due to the prior denial for carrying out the extraction,” he said.
Muntazir said that even though this decision has been a momentous one, the Government still needs to ensure that the mining extraction rights, in regards with natives, be holistically restored all across J&K without any disparity.
“Even the administration has acknowledged that illegal lifting and transportation of such minerals has resulted in huge losses to the Government exchequer. Therefore, it becomes imperative that the persisting mineral extraction ban is lifted all-over J&K without any preconditions or further delay. It will also help to curb the menace of illegitimate mineral lifting and address the problem of soaring prices of the building material,” he said.
He also called upon the Deputy Commissioner Budgam and DDC Chairman Budgam to intervene in regards to the skyrocketed prices of the bricks that has caused immense inconvenience to the people who need to construct their houses or other commercial properties.
“The construction works have come to an imminent halt due to the soaring prices of bricks which has even rendered masons & laborers out of work. The government has failed to put a check on rising prices while the brick kiln owners continue to charge as per their wishes. The administration needs to assess the situation on ground zero and curb such anomalous price hikes,” he demanded—(KNO)
