Representational picture

ISHFAQ RESHI

BUDGAM:Clashes erupted between government forces and locals here in Soibug area of Budgam on Wednesday after authorities took possession of government land for construction of a police post.

Residents told The Kashmir Press that Tehsildar Budgam along with the police party arrived in the village Tuesday morning and bulldozed a portion of government owned Hokerser wetland which hems the Soibug-HMT road.

Following that, residents said the authorities started earth filling of that very portion of land so as to construct a police post there in future, which is currently operating from a makeshift hut located inside an army camp in Daharmuna – in the outskirts of Soibug.

As soon as the locals came to know about the development taking place in their vicinity, they objected the government move as they said the police post was being constructed close to their houses.

 “Following this, clashes erupted between government forces and locals over the construction of police post in the locality and lasted till late hours,” a local said, adding, “the youths pelted stones while in response forces resorted to massive Teargas shelling”.

Another local added that the construction of new police post was “good,” but the thing that fumed people was that they were not taken into confidence.

“This attitude of authorities of keeping people locked inside their homes and taking its undue advantage aptly reflects their intention and sincerity regarding the matter,” he added.

“There is no harm if police post would be constructed at the proposed site. But before that they should talk to our elders and must reach to an agreement with them”.

Senior Superintendent of police Budgam, Amod Ashok Nagpuri, however, contested the claims of villagers, and said that some people have encroached the government land in Soibug and officials headed by Tehsildar Budgam had just gone to retrieve that land.

While retrieving the land, Amod said, people objected the authorities resulting to clashes.

When asked whether the reports about the construction of police post being constructed at the proposed site, he said, “authorities have already given us allotment to construct the police post at that site.”

“After retrieving that land from the possession of locals, the Tehsildar Budgam, handed over that land to police department,” Amod said.