ANC demands judicial probe into ‘jungle loot’ in Kangan

Srinagar: Awami National Conference Monday demanded judicial probe into alleged looting of forest in Kangan area in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.  “Why should the Chief Minister, Forest Minister and MOS for Home affairs not be asked to demit office for having failed to protect the looting of our forests which were being plundered in the ravines of Wangath forests under their very noses while they were present celebrating the annual Urs at Baba Nagri Kangan on 9th June,” senior vice president of the party founded by former Chief Minister late Ghulam Mohammad Shah. “The ANC is demanding a judicial inquiry in this matter and dismissal of the forest Minister and concerned authorities.” He said that Public Safety Act was basically meant for curbing such “barbaric crimes.” Shah also informed about the filing of RTI application to seek details about the Baghliar and Sawlakot power projects “to know as to which were the Governments, the Ministers, the Chief Ministers and the bureaucrats responsible for the state exchequer loosing revenue in crores due to the mishandling in commissioning of these power projects and the revenue lost in delayed execution to the tune of thousands of crores in both these projects.” Muzaffar Shah has also sought information regarding use of State aircraft by Chief Ministers and other VIP’s under successive State Governments and the costs incurred towards them by the state exchequer since the purchase of the aircraft.  City correspondent said that Shah also sought information through RTI about the reasons and circumstances under which the Oberoi Palace Hotel property was leased/sold in favour of Lalit hotels group.