Tangmarg: Several civil society groups and trade unions of north Kashmir today held a peaceful protest against, what they called, “a designed disaster” and demanded immediate helt to the “unauthorized diversion” of Nallah Ferozpora, the lone perennial water body in the region.
The protest was led by Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani.
“This protest is against the loot of the waters of north Kashmir, particularly of subdivision Tangmarg,” said Wani, adding, the people can’t remain silent while the officials of PHE, Irrigation including other planners continue the vandalization of area’s only water source.
Appealing people to unite against this “vandalization”, Wani said that it is not some petty political issue but the question of life and death of the people. He appealed sitting MLA
Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, Former Ministers Ghulam Hassan Mir and Dr Mustafa Kamal, former MLA Mohammad Abbas Wani, senior PDP leader Shabir Ahmad Mir, AIP leader Adil Nazir, Prominent Socio Political activist Tejinder Singh, Bar Association Tangmarg, as well as traders bodies, NGOs, and welfare organisations from Tangmarg, Gulmarg, Kunzer, Magam, Dhobiwan, and Chandilora, to stand up for the people regardless of political ideologies.
While calling on the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Minister, and the Chief Secretary to intervene immediately and stop this loot of water, Wani said that the government has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure judicious use of natural resources. Opposing the supply of water to Budgam, he said that before thinking of supplying this water elsewhere, the administration must first fulfil the needs of Tangmarg residents. The people here are the primary stakeholders and must be taken on board before any decision is made about Ferozpora Nalla.
Wani urged the public to rise in unity, and appealed to the people of Tangmarg to wake up and stand for their rights. “Ferozpora Nalla is the jugular vein of our irrigation, agriculture, horticulture, and drinking water supply. We must protect it before it is too late,” Wani concluded.
