People protests occupation of land by forces in Kulgam

MLA Larmi opposes move, says govt ‘faking’ normalcy

5 Dariya News

Srinagar 18-Jan-2018

Protests broke out on Thursday in Shamsipora area of Kulgam district of south Kashmir soon after forces allegedly occupied a piece of land for establishing a camp.Reports reaching GNS said scores of people on Thursday morning staged protest demonstrations against army for allegedly occupying a land in the area for setting up of bunkers.The land, according to residents, is a local playground.Meanwhile, the issue was raised by MLA Homeshalibugh Abdul Majeed Larmi who questioned the government’s claim of normalcy in the valley.“Every other kilometre, forces are trying to set up camps and are occupying land in the Shamsipora village,” Larmi said. “As the people of the area staged protests against it, they were lathi charged. I pose a question to the honourable revenue minister,” Larmi said.The MLA said there is no need to establish a camp in the area as an army camp already exists nearly 2 kms from the spot. “They want to establish camp at every kilometre,” he said, adding that the village is not a militancy prone area.“I raised the issue and I asked the government to stop army by from setting up of the camp in the village,” Larmi said. “On one hand, government is claiming normalcy, and on the other side, it wants to conduct Panchayat polls; then why to establish camps after every two kilometres.”Accusing the government of “faking” normalcy to conduct Panchayat elections, MLA Larmi said there is no militancy in the area and people are forced to come on roads. (GNS)