Shopian: Though drive to destroy poppy straw is in full swing across Kashmir Valley, but in some parts of South Kashmir’s Shopian district this menacing crop is still intact.
Locals alleged that a Revenue Official (Patwari) from Peerpora Alawpora Halqa, Tehsil Keegam has himself cultivated the poppy straw crop on his land located in Tarkuwangam that falls in Chitragam Tehsil. They said the said Revenue Official has even been encouraging the locals to cultivate the said crop.
“We request District authorities especially Deputy Commissioner Shopian to visit the spot himself to ascertain the facts. Some of the officials in the district are hand in glove with him, that’s why no action is being taken against the said Patwari,” they told news agency CNS adding that the official in question was spared by authorities when some officers were suspended in wake of illegal felling of walnut trees in Keegam earlier this year.
The locals demand action against the said official.
When contacted District Development Commissioner Shopian Owais Ahmed said he will send a team to inspect the spot. He assured action without any delay.