Dr Farooq condemns Sidhra demolition; calls it cruel assault on humanity

Srinagar, May 20: Dr Farooq condemns Sidhra demolition; calls it cruel assault on humanityThe Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Wednesday strongly condemned the demolition drive in Sidhra, which left dozens of tribal families homeless, calling it inhuman, unjust, and a cruel assault on the dignity and survival of poor families.

In a statement issued from the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha, Dr. Farooq said the manner in which residential houses of our tribal brethren were demolished without giving families time to save their belongings had caused deep pain and outrage. “The scenes emerging from Sidhra are heartbreaking. Women, children and the elderly were left in shock as their homes, belongings, food grains, clothes, medicines and documents were buried under rubble within hours. Such brutality has no place in a democratic society governed by law,” he said.

Dr Farooq said the demolition has raised serious questions over the violation of Supreme Court guidelines and the manner in which vulnerable families were treated. “No authority has the right to trample upon the dignity of citizens in such a ruthless manner. Homes are not mere structures; they are symbols of security, memories and hope,” he added. “With Eid just days away, these families have been pushed into unimaginable suffering.

The LG administration must answer how homeless families are expected to celebrate the festival after losing everything they owned,” he said. The NC President also demanded a transparent and time-bound inquiry into the incident and sought strict action against officials responsible for violating legal and humanitarian norms. Dr Farooq appreciated the outreach by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest & Tribal Affairs Javed Rana and National Conference leaders from Jammu for visiting the affected families and extending relief and support on the ground. He reiterated that the National Conference stands firmly with the victims and will continue to raise its voice against every injustice inflicted upon the people.