Legislator Ahsan Pardesi Halts Demolition Drive in Srinagar’s Sonwar Locality

Srinagar, Dec 26, : A protest led by National Conference legislator Ahsan Pardesi disrupted a demolition operation in Srinagar’s Sonawar area on Thursday. The operation, initiated by the Badami Bagh Cantonment Board, targeted a structure in Zabarwan Colony, which Pardesi claimed was home to a family that had lived there for over 80 years.
To prevent the demolition, Pardesi positioned himself in front of a JCB machine, insisting that the Board’s actions were unjust. Addressing reporters at the scene, he criticized the authorities for ignoring prior warnings. “I had informed the district administration about this issue when I became aware of the proposed demolition. It’s disappointing that they chose to proceed regardless,” he stated.
Pardesi also highlighted the legal dimensions of the case, noting that the matter was sub judice and that the court had ordered the status quo to be maintained.
“Moving forward with the demolition would not only violate legal directives but also deny justice to the affected family,” he said.
Notably, a Cantonment Board team arrived with demolition equipment, alleging that the targeted structure was an illegal construction. Their efforts, however, were thwarted by strong local protest and Pardesi’s intervention, forcing the operation to be paused.