Member of Parliament from Srinagar Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Thursday strongly criticised the Omar Abdullah-led government over the Sidra demolition drive, accusing it of maintaining a disappointing silence and failing to address growing public concern over the incident.

Speaking to reporters after visiting Mawer Langate to offer condolences on the demise of Er Rashid’s father, Ruhullah said the elected government should have immediately responded to the situation.

“The elected government should have immediately responded by issuing an official statement, visiting the affected area and placing all facts before the people,” he said.

Ruhullah said such incidents had been occurring repeatedly in different forms and questioned the government’s inability to intervene.

“If the Omar Abdullah-led government is unable to stop these incidents, it should at least tell the people who is behind them so that they know whom to hold accountable,” Ruhullah said.

He further said that elected representatives cannot remain silent when people are demanding answers.

“The government’s continued silence reflects its inability and incapability to respond to public issues. The people of Jammu and Kashmir voted with expectations and hope, making accountability from elected representatives both necessary and justified,” he added.

Ruhullah termed it unfortunate that no official statement had been issued so far regarding the demolition drive.

“With every passing day, the government is disappointing the people,” he said.

Responding to a question about the “Cockroach Janata Party” movement, Ruhullah described it as a symbolic and creative expression of public anger rather than a political organisation.

“The movement reflects frustration among youth over the functioning of institutions, including the judiciary, executive and police. It is a serious satire that reflects the anger of the youth, particularly Gen-Z, and their dissatisfaction with institutions,” he said.

The Srinagar MP also alleged that dissent and freedom of expression were increasingly being suppressed through police action, court interventions and suspension of social media accounts associated with such movements.

“Peaceful and democratic voices cannot be silenced permanently,” he said.

Calling the movement “a beautiful and creative idea”, Ruhullah said such expressions of dissent would continue to emerge despite attempts to suppress them.

Shopian, May 21: Darakhshan Andrabi, chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, on Thursday said people in Jammu and Kashmir wanted to safeguard future generations from the growing menace of drugs.

“People lived under the shadow of guns and terrorism for the last 35 years, and now narco-terrorism has emerged as another major challenge,” Andrabi told reporters during the “Asluk Aalaw” initiative in Kellar area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district . She said people across the region were increasingly concerned that drug abuse could ruin the future of younger generations and stressed the need for collective efforts to tackle the problem.

Highlighting the objectives of the “Asluk Aalaw” programme, Andrabi said the initiative focuses on promoting civic sense, public awareness and environmental protection. People from different walks of life, including social activists, members of the fruit mandi and religious leaders, participated in the programme.

 Andrabi said there was a growing public resolve to work together to eliminate social evils from society. She added that her party was committed to eradicating drug addiction and spreading awareness against substance abuse. Senior BJP leader Ashok Koul urged people to take a collective pledge against the spread of alcohol and drugs in their localities. “We must resolve that we will not allow liquor shops to open in our neighbourhoods and localities,” Koul said while addressing the gathering.

 He also stressed the importance of fulfilling civic responsibilities and called for greater public participation in maintaining social discipline and awareness.

 Koul said the “Asluk Aalaw” programme should be expanded to every area to strengthen efforts aimed at tackling social evils and promoting public awareness.

Sopore, May 21: A heavy windstorm followed by overnight rains caused significant damage to a residential house in the Seelo area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, during Wednesday night triggering panic among residents and leaving property badly affected.

According to locals, strong gusty winds lashed the area during the night, ripping off the tin rooftop of a residential house of Mohammad Ishaq in Seelo Sopore, and scattering sheets and wooden structures across nearby fields.

The incident occurred amid widespread stormy weather conditions that affected several parts of north Kashmir.

Eyewitnesses said the powerful winds created fear among residents as roofs, electric wires, and trees were shaken violently during the storm.

Fortunately, no loss of life or injury was reported in the incident, though the affected family suffered considerable property damage.

Residents of the area appealed to the administration to assess the damages caused by the windstorm and provide immediate relief to affected families.

They said such sudden weather disturbances have become frequent in recent weeks, causing hardships to people, especially in rural areas.  Meanwhile, reports of damage to rooftops, orchards, and power infrastructure were also received from various parts of north Kashmir, where the windstorm wreaked havoc before subsiding by early morning.