Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 22 

People’s Conference (PC) Chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Friday challenged the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to act against influential figures instead of limiting its action to lower-rung officials, and alleged that a minister in the present dispensation was involved in corruption.

Speaking to reporters in Handwara after visiting Mawer to offer condolences to the family of jailed Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid on the death of his father, Lone said it was the ACB’s moral responsibility to seek details and initiate an investigation whenever a public representative raises allegations of corruption against a minister.

“It is easy to catch low-level officials. I dare the ACB to act against big fishes as well,” he said.

Referring to the Sidra demolition drive, Lone accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government of being complicit with those carrying out what he described as the selective targeting of poor families.

He said he had raised the issue during the recently concluded Assembly session and had urged the government in advance to restrain the forest department from carrying out such demolition drives, but claimed the elected government showed no willingness to stand with the poor.

“Had the issue involved influential or wealthy people, the entire government would have rushed to the spot and come to their rescue,” he said.

Lone said he was gathering details related to the matter and alleged that a mining scandal could be the underlying reason behind the demolition drive.

“I am digging out details and some sources say there is a mining scandal, which is why the poor have been targeted,” he said.

The People’s Conference leader also alleged that the present dispensation was absent on the ground and claimed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was more occupied with public engagements than addressing pressing issues affecting ordinary citizens, according to the report.