Farooq Abdullah condemns Sidhra demolition drive, seeks probe into 'inhuman' action

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday condemned the demolition drive in the Sidhra area of Jammu, terming it inhuman, unjust, and a ''cruel assault'' on the dignity and survival of poor families, and demanded a time-bound inquiry into the incident.

In a statement issued here, Abdullah said the manner in which the houses of ''our tribal brethren'' were demolished without giving them 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.

The three-time chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir said the demolition has raised serious questions over the alleged violation of Supreme Court guidelines and the treatment meted out to vulnerable families.

''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 said.

With Eid just days away, Abdullah said the affected 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 allegedly violating legal and humanitarian norms.

He appreciated the outreach by Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest and Tribal Affairs, Javed Rana and other NC leaders from Jammu for visiting the affected families and extending relief and support.

Abdullah reiterated that the NC stood firmly with the victims and would continue to raise its voice against injustice.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)